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YINDICATION OF THE GOVEEInMENT 



NEW ejsgland churches. 



f|^ C|nrr|fs' ^uarnl €^mnt^; 



A £PLY TO CEKTAIN PROPOSALS. 



By JOHX wise, A.M. 

PASTOR OF A CHURCH IN IPSWICH. 



FOURTH EDITION. 






BOSTON: 

CONGREGATIONAL BOARD OF PUBLICATION. 

23 CHAUNCY STREET. 

1860. 






CAMBRIDGE: 

Allen and Farnham, Printers. 



no 



% 



PREFACE. 



In issuing a new edition of Rev. John Wise's Vin- 
dication of the Government of the New England 
Churches, and The Churches' Quarrel Espoused, 
or Reply to certain proposals, the Congregational 
Board of Publication would express their high appre- 
ciation of the merit of these articles, and of the salu- 
tary influence they have exerted upon the order and 
prosperity of the churches for more than a century 
past. The views here expressed of the liberty and 
independence of the churches, their rights and disci- 
pline (except what he says of ruling elders), are the 
views which have generally been adopted by the 
churches from their first organization. As we said 
of Bellamy, Hopkins, Robinson, and others, " We do 
not abridge, or alter the phraseology, but leave the 
author to express his own views in his own way, 
that the reader may have the sentiments of the 
writer, his style, and in some measure a knowledge 
of the times in which he lived." 

The late Hon. Zachariah Eddy, of Middleboro', 
who was a distinguished lawyer, a sound and able 



IV PREFACE. 

theologian as well as devoted Christian, and uncom- 
monly familiar with the writings of the Pilgrims and 
New England Fathers, knowing that the Board had 
proposed to issue a new edition of this work, wrote 
to the secretary as follows : — 

MiDDLEBORo', Dec. 15, 1858. 

Dear Sir, — I have re-read Mr. Wise's book, and think the 
republication of it by the Congregational Board of Publication 
very desirable. There is sharp and strong reasoning in it, and it 
marks our Congregationalism in Massachusetts for a full century. 
It has been the means of saving to our churches their true inde- 
pendency, and our ministers from combining to exercise a joint 
influence over them. It is also the best exposition of the platform 
7 that has ever been given, and has wellnigh brought its "two 
' faces " to look in the same direction. It is the only book of au- 
thority recognized by our courts of law as a reliable commentary 
on the platform. These reasons seem conclusive. 

But the antiquity of the book must be borne in mind. The 
edition I have was printed in 1772, and those in the Antiquarian, 
Harvard College, and Brown libraries, are of the same date ; and 
also that in the Athenaeum, and Mr. Choate's and Mr. Thornton's, I 
think are the same. But the first edition of the " Churches' 
Quarrel," was as early as 1710; and the first edition of the 
" Vindication of the Government of the Churches " as early as 
1715. It will be necessary, I think, to find copies of these differ- 
ent editions in order to get the correct reading^ as well as to au- 
thenticate the antiquity of the book. There should be also an 
introductory article containing some particulars of the life of Mr. 
Wise. I would add the attestation of the Supreme Court, Baker 
& Tales, 16 th Massachusetts Eeports, which makes his writings 



PREFACE. V 

on ecclesiastical subjects a book of authority. I would also add 
what Mr. Bancroft says in his volume 2d, page 427, when writing 
against the taxes as not voted by the assembly, Mr. Wise ex- 
claimed, " Democracy is Christ's government in church and in 
State." In this reprint are contained the names of the original 
subscribers, which may be regarded as a public recommendation. 
The hst contains many of the most respectable laymen and min- 
isters then living (in 17 72) and should be printed in the new edi- 
tion. 

With great respect, 

Z. Eddy. 

The above suggestions of the Hon. and lamented 
Mr. Eddy have been attended to, — the different edi- 
tions compared, revised, and corrected ; an introduc- 
tory article by Rev. J. S. Clark, D. D., prefixed ; and 
the original names of subscribers appended, which 
give interest to this edition, and make it valuable to 
the antiquarian, and to all who would know the 
views of our Fathers of the early New England 
churches on the subject of church polity. 

Boston, May, 1860. 



CONTENTS. 



Intkoductoet Notice, Page xiii 



The Constitution of the New England Churches, as settled by their Plat- 
form, justified from Antiquity ; the Light of Nature ; the Holy Scrip- 
tures ; the Noble and Excellent Nature of the Constitution itself; and 
from the Providence of God dignifying it, 1 



DEMONSTEATION I. 
CHAPTER L 

THE VOICE OF ANTIQUITY DISTRIBUTED I^^TO THREE PARTS. 

1. The first three hundred years of Christianity, the most refined and 
purest time of the church. — 2. The next twelve hundred years, in- 
cluding the commencement of a direful apostasy. — 3. The beginning 
of a glorious Eeformation. — The churches in New England and the 
primitive churches parallel in their government, 1-7 

CHAPTER II. 

OF THE CHURCHES. 

Definition of a church. — Could not be united but by a covenant. — 
Constituent parts of a church, 8, 9 

CHAPTER III. 

The operations and immunities of the churches. — The peculiar acts of 
the officers and the laity, and the joint acts of both. — Union of distinct 
churches by acts of fellowship. — Bishops, presbyters, and pastors, the' 
same office. — Bishops had but one congregation each, his diocese but 
one parish, and he had but one altar, — All the people met together to 
choose a bishop. — The bishop's duty, 10-14 



Vlll CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE PREROGATIVES OR PECULIAR IMMUNITIES OF THE LAITY. 

Giving their votes for the admission and censure of members. — Electing 
their own officers. — Ordaining and deposing their own officers, 14-17 



CHAPTER V. 

THE JOINT ACTS OF OFFICERS AND PEOPLE, AS AN ORGANIC BODY. 

The clergy and laity act conjunctly in matters of discipline. — All things 
debated in common, and excommunication was by the suffrages of the 
people, 18-20 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE FELLOAVSHIP AND COMMUNION THAT CHURCHES HAD WITH ONE 

ANOTHER. 

The primitive churches for the first three hundred years were distinct 
Congregational churches, not diocesan, national, nor provincial, but in- 
dependent. — Had the wisdom and counsel of each other. — Indepen- 
dency defined. — Synods. — Churches represented by delegates. — Pres. 
Oakes' encomium of Congregationalism, 20-26 



DEMONSTRATION II. 

FROM THE LIGHT OF NATURE. 

CHAPTER I. 

The dictates of right reason, the just demands of natural liberty, equity, 
equality, and principles of self-preservation, originally drew up the 
scheme of these churches, 27-28 



CHAPTER II. 

Man in a state of natural being, as free born. — No society can exist with- 
out government. — Human nature in its original capacity. — Man the 
subject of the law of nature. — Self-love, sociableness, and benevolence, 
laws of nature. — Liberty the second great immunity of man's nature. — 
Equahty among men the third immunity belonging to man's nature. — 



CONTENTS. IX 

Difference between a natural and a political state. — The original of 
civil power is the people. — The reason of Government, and the manner 
of its organization. — A civil state a compound moral person. — This 
being anatomized. — The parts of sovereignty considered. — Forms of 
a government simple or mixed. — Form of a simple or regular are three : 
Democracy, Aristocracy, and Monarchy. — A democracy is when the 
sovereign power is lodged in a council consisting of all the members, 
There every member has the privilege of a vote. — The original of our 
government, says Plato, was taken from the equality of our race. — A 
democracy, how formed. — An aristocracy, how formed. — A monarchy, 
how settled. — Mixed governments. — Rebellion against government 
considered. — Inquiry whether any of the aforesaid governments can 
be predicable of the church of Christ. — The result of the inquiry. — 
The primitive constitution of the churches was a democracy. — The 
light of nature values and directs to a democracy. — Man's original 
liberty ought to be cherished in all wise governments. — The natural 
equaUty of men must be favored. — The end of all good government to 
cultivate humanity, and the good of every man in all his rights, his life, 
liberty, estate, honor, etc., without injury to anyone. — The form of 
government settled by Christ is for the safety of the churches and the 
benefit of every member. — No government like a democracy to this 
end. — Aristocracy near to monarch^-, and monarchy nearer to tyranny. 

— A monarchy has been tried in the church with a witness. — Democ- 
racy is our constitution, and better fitted to the concerns of religion 
than any other. — An appeal to common reason. — Three particulars 
securing the honor of Congregational churches. — An objection an- 
swered. — The law of nature the ground of the New England churches. 

— The right of convoking councils in the churches. — Councils have 
only advisory, not juridical power, 27-63 



DEMONSTRATION III. 

FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTUKES. 

Fundamental principle in Government, that (under God) all power is 
originally in the people. — No coercive power needful in the church. — 
Power or authority defined. — Distinct powers. — Power to form them- 
selves into churches. — Power to elect officers. — Power to discipline 
and exclude members. — Power judicatory. Matt. 18: 15, 20. — The 
Scriptures the churches' Magna Charta. — The dignity of the churches 
as free States. — The epistles addressed to the churches, as bodies with 
powers for the government of themselves and all their concerns, 64-78 



CONTENTS. 



DEMONSTRATION IV. 

FROM THE NATURE OF THE CONSTITUTION ITSELF. 

It tends to promote holiness. — It has a balance of power. — Veneration 
towards those clothed with authority. — The aflSnity our polity holds 
with the civil governments of the most flourishing Commonwealths. — 
The Venitian. — TheBelgic, etc., 79-88 



DEMONSTRATION Y. 

FROM THE DIGNITY PROVIDENCE HAS PUT UPON OUR CONSTITUTION. 

In the smiles and frowns of his Providence. — In the great success of the 
gospel in many conversions. — In the singular purity in the midst of a 
corrupt world. — In the eminent support given under direful suffer- 
ings. — The frowns of Providence after the subversion of the primitive 
constitution. — As in the fatal Arian heresy. — The universal apostasy 
following the subversion of the primitive constitution. — And the great 
blessing upon the colonies in North America who returned to the prac- 
tice of true religion, 89-96 



The Testimony of Higginson and Hubbard, 97-103 



THE CHURCHES' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 

The Question and Proposals, 107-111 

The Epistle Dedicatory. To the fraternity of the churches in the 
New England colonies, 112-134 

AN ANSWER TO THE PROPOSALS. 

The author's apology for writing and for his satire. — His aim is at error. 

— His charge of mischief against the proposals. — Preliminary queries. 

— The New England churches in possession of a form of government. — 
Time has discovered no essential error in their government. — Cotton 



CONTENTS. XI 

Mather's advice. — Boldness of invading or altering this government 
without the consent of the churches. — Proposals and platform repugnant 
and contradictory. ^ From whence the proposals derive their force ? — 
Examination of the proposals themselves. — Their origin and nature. — 
Their composition and properties in general, 135-159 

A SURVEY OF THE PROPOSALS IN THEIR DISTINCT SECTIONS. 

1. The formation of associations, answered. — 2. Cases of importance to 
be presented, answered. — 3. Advice to be taken by the associated 
pastors, answered. — 4. Trial of candidates for the ministry, answered. 
— 5. Associations to be consulted by the churches, answered. — 6. 
Councils to be convened for the welfare of the churches, answered. — 
7. Correspondence of the several associations, answered. — 8. Admoni- 
tion of dehnquent ministers, answered, 159-197 



PAET II. 

Sect. I. Standing Councils considered, and with keen satire condemned. 

Sections II.-YIII. Associated pastors with their respective churches 
shall consociate and combine for the necessities of the churches. 

Conclusion. The proposals assented to by the delegates at B , Sept. 

13, 1705. — To be commended to the ministers to be duly considered. — 
The last binding vote at an association meeting. — A severe censure 
upon the, 197-235 



HISTORICAL mTRODUCTORY NOTICE, 

BY EEV. J. S. CLARK, D. D. 



Whoever visits the old burying-ground in tlie town of Essex, 
formerly a parish of Ipswich known by the Indian name of Che- 
hacco, will observe, not far from the principal entrance, a massive 
slab of red sand-stone resting on four granite props, with a tablet 
of slate, some ten or fifteen inches square, sunk into its surface, 
bearing the following inscription : — 

" Underneath lies the body of 

Eev. JOHN WISE, A. M., 

First Pastor of the 2d Church in Ipswich ; 

Graduated at Harvard College, 1673; 

Ordained Pastor of said Church, 1683 ; 

And died April 8, 1725, Aged 73. 

For Talents, Piety, and Learning, he shone 

As a star of the first magnitude." 

It is evidently a transcript of the original writing on the sand- 
stone slab, now entirely effaced. But the memory of the man 
whose dust reposes beneath that stone has been more enduring. 
His deeds still live. They will live forever ; for they were the 
enactment of everlasting truth. 

John Wise was born in Koxbury, Mass., the son of Joseph 
Wise. The exact date of his birth is lost; but his baptism, 
which, according to the prevailing custom in the Congregational 
churches of those times, was seldom more than eight days after, 
is entered *' August 15, 1652." He was a graduate of Harvard 
College in the class of 1673 — not unknown to fame even then, 
as may be inferred from the fact that he went forth to the work 



XIV INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. 

of the ministry "highly recommended by the General Court." 
Though he commenced his labors at Chebacco in 1680, his ordi- 
nation was not effected, nor his church fully constituted, till the 
12th of August, 1683,* owing to the vexatious hinderances thrown 
in the way by the old church and society. Those who are versed 
in tracing effects to their causes, or in referring traits of character 
to their formative source, will readily believe that these three 
years of conflict " for the right," had something to do in nursing 
that liberty-loving spirit, which the young pastor and new church 
were destined to show forth in after life. 

The odious and illegal tax which Sir Edmund Andros, the 
governor under King James II., was compelling the towns to 
levy in support of his despotic rule, was too much for the free- 
born to bear. But what could they do ? The pastor of Chebac- 
co and a few of his parishioners, with some other citizens of Ips- 
wich, did this: On the evening of August 22d, 1687, the day 
before the town-meeting at which an assessor was to be chosen for 
carrying that hateful measure into effect, they came together to 
talk matters over, and agreed to pass by the article in the war- 
rant requiring the election of such an officer ; which was accord- 
ingly done, after Mr. Wise had made a speech, and said, among 
other eloquent words, " We have a good God, and a good king, 
and shall do well to stand for our privileges." No sooner did 
these things come to the governor's ears than he ordered the ar- 
rest of Mr. Wise and live others, who, after lying in Boston ja 1 
twenty-one days, were fined and put under bonds to keep the 
peace. In the case of Mr. Wise, as the ringleader, he was not 
only fined £50, and put under bonds of £1,000, but suspended 
also from the ministry. In his narrative of this transaction, after 
the expulsion of Andros, which happened the year following, Mr. 
Wise, with characteristic pith, remarks : " The evidence in the 
case, as to the substance of it, was that we too boldly endeavored 
to persuade ourselves we were Englishmen, and under privi- 
leojes." 



* By a singular mistake, probably in transferring the original inscrip- 
tion to the slate tablet, the year of his settlement is there given as 1681, 
The evidence is so strong in favor of 1683, that, in copying for these pages, 
the other has been made to correspond with it. 



INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. XV 

We may be sure that a minister so trained, and imbued with 
such a spirit, would be among the first to discover any encroach- 
ment on the rights of the churches, and the last to surrender one 
iota of their just liberties, either to Pope or Presbytery. It was 
but following his own instincts, therefore, when, in a day of peril 
to their ancient polity, he thrust himself between them and harm 
in that memorable production, " The Churches' Quarrel 
Espoused," which is herewith reproduced in a new edition, 
almost ninety years after the last was issued. 

Its origin was on this wise. At a meeting of the Boston Asso- 
ciation of Ministers, held November 5th, 1705, sixteen "Propo- 
sals," which had been previously drawn up by a committee ap- 
pointed for that purpose, " were read and assented to," and were 
put forth for the consideration and assent of " the several associ- 
ated ministers in the several parts of the country." These pro- 
posals, though couched in plausible terms, and embodying some 
useful hints, were denounced by Mr. Wise as revolutionary — 
subversive of the Cambridge Platform, the then recognized 
** Constitution " of these churches. His treatment of the aforesaid 
proposals is in the satirical form of a trial for trf ?i |^nTij whp.re i'n_th^y 
are severally found guilty and condemned to death. Never was a 
verdict more heartily rendered, nor a sentence more promptly 
executed. Congregationallsts of our day, grown familiar with 
modern innovations, will fail to detect in these proposals all the 
ugly features which Mr. Wise saw in them, unless they follow him 
through his illustrations, and learn to look at things in embrio et 
in rerum natura^ to cite one of his many classical allusions. The 
leading ideas contained in them may be reduced to these three : 
First, to give the ministerial meetings, which were then coming 
into popular favor, an ecclesiastical character, by bringing before 
them business pertinent only to the churches. Second, to run 
these associations, thus ecclesiasticized and enlarged by a lay dele- 
gation, into standing councils, whose decisions in all ordinary 
cases should be " final and decisive." Third, to allow " no par- 
ticular pastor or congregation to employ any one in occasional 
preachings who has not been recommended by a testimonial un- 
der the hands of some association." 

The first two of these ideas had been offered to the acceptance 
of the churches forty years before, by the Synod of 1662, in con- 



XVI INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. 

neetion with the Halfway Covenant, but so strongly did they 
savor of " Prelacy," that not a church was found ready at that 
time to entertain them ; no pastor was bold enough to urge them. 
Ecclesiastical councils had thus far been of rare occurrence, ex- 
cept for the expression of a sisterly fellowship among the church- 
es, as at the settlement and removal of ministers; and when 
called for advice on questions of difficulty, merely gave their ad- 
vice, and left those who asked it of them to follow it or not, just 
as they deemed there was '-^ force of reason " in it, or not. So 
adverse were the churches to the least semblance of encroachment 
on their right of self-control, that the Synod of 1662 found it 
necessary to insert, in their scheme of Consociation, the nullifying 
acknowledgment that " every church .... hath received from 
the Lord Jesus full power and authority ecclesiastical within 
itself, regularly to administer all the ordinances of Christ, and is 
not under any other ecclesiastical jurisdiction whatsoever," — 
which was equivalent to knocking their Consociation on the 
head as soon as born. 

As to the third point embraced in these proposals, that nobody 
must preach " who has not been recommended by a testimonial 
under the hands of some association," it should be stated, for the 
information of those not familiar with " the old ways," that hither- 
to a "license" or "approbation" to preach was only "the ex- 
press or implied authority granted by a church to preach to 
them" (Congregational Dictionary, p. 214, Art. License.) The 
Congregational churches had acknowledged no human authority, 
either ministerial, prelatic, or civil, as a prerequisite to the em- 
ployment of any one whom they chose to select. They would 
submit to none ; though they thankfully availed themselves of 
every help, especially that of settled ministers, in finding suitable 
candidates. 

The Cambridge Platform is silent on this subject ; but John 
Cotton, in his "Way of the Churches" (pp. 39, 40), indirectly 
tells us how ministers got licensed, by showing " in what manner 
they were chosen." " When any of the churches are destitute of 
any of these officers, the brethren of the church (according to 
the Apostle's advice, in defect of deacons, and so in defect of all 
other officers), tliey look out from amongst themselves such persons 
as are in some measure qualified according to the direction of the 



INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. XVll 

word. If the churcli can fiod out none such in their own body, 
they send to any other church for fit supply, and each church 
looketh at it as their duty to be mutually helpful one to another 
in yielding what supply they may, without too much prejudice to 
themselves. Such being recommended to them for such a work, 
they take some time of trial of them, partly by their own obser- 
vation and communion with them, partly by consultation with the 
elders of other churches." 

In theory^ therefore, a Congregational church, destitute of a 
pastor, looked over their own list of members for a suitable can- 
didate. If they could find one, of sufficient promise, they " placed 
him in the pulpit and heard him preach," and applied such other 
tests as they deemed necessary to a satisfactory judgment of his 
qualificaclons. Their own " approbation " was all the testimonial 
he got, or wanted. If they found no suitable person for that 
office among themselves, they looked into other churches, con- 
sulted the ministers, consulted the laymen, conversed with the 
candidate recommended, took him into the pulpit, took him to 
their houses, — used all appropriate means, — and then "licensed" 
him, if he stood the test, and settled him if he and they could 
agree. 

The General Court undertook to interfere with this right in 
1652, by ordering that a license should be obtained from a coun- 
cil or county court ; but so determined was the resistance, that 
the order was revoked the following year. " If a church has lib- 
erty of election and ordination," said the Woburn church in their 
petition on the subject, " then it has the power of approbation." 
(3 Mass. Hist. Coll. vol. 1, 42.) Nearly fifty years later, namely, 
in 1699, Increase Mather, with nine other ministers, signed and 
sent forth their " Advice unto the Churches of New England," 
the drift of which was " to beware of running after new preach- 
ers, of whose endowments and principles they have not had a 
reasonable attestation." Expressing also their own intention 
thenceforth to admit into their pulpits " no stranger, coming as a 
preacher, without sufficient assurances of his being what he pre- 
tends to be," except by first passing him through " a solemn ex- 
amination of his capacity for the tremendous work of preaching the 
everlasting gospel." But this put no restraints on the ancient 
liberties, or the existing usages of the churches ; nor did it Imply 



XVlll INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. 

that their trial and approbation of a candidate would not be 
regarded by these ministers as a " sufficient assurance " of his 
" capacity " to preach. It was simple and reasonable advice, 
having reference particularly to illiterate pretenders coming from 
abroad. 

Thus the matter stood when these sixteen proposals came out, 
and called forth, in reply, this excoriating satire ; which had 
the effect, not only to explode the whole project, but to recall 
the churches to their first principles of Congregationalism, and to 
reseat them on their ancient platform more firmly than ever for 
the next sixty years.* Even to this day it is common for minis- 
terial bodies to insert in their constitutions, or rules of business, a 
disavowal of all " ecclesiastical authority," out of respect to an 
inwrought jealousy among the churches, which apparently had its 
origin in this affair. The sudden and complete triumph which 
this small book achieved is the more remarkable, when it is con- 
sidered that the proposed innovations were supported by an array 
of names which were deemed a tower of strength to any cause 
which had their indorsement. It was printed in 1 710. A second 
edition was issued in 1715, prefaced with the following letter, 
which, coming from two of the most popular ministers of the day, 
may be taken as an exponent of the public sentiment generally. 

Gloucester, March 20, 1715. 
" Reverexd Sir, — We have had the favor and satisfaction 
of reading, and, according to our measure, considering the tran- 
scendent logic as well as grammar and rhetoric of your Reply to 
the Proposals ; by which our eyes are opened to see much more 



* The "dignified silence and pious contempt," — visum est non alio 
remedio quam generoso silentio etpio contemptu utendum nobis esse, — which 
Cotton Mather, the reputed author of the Proposals, tried to turn upon Mr. 
Wise (see his Ratio Dis. p. 185), probably did not extend beyond his own 
breast; certainly not beyond the circle of those who subscribed their 
names with his. And he himself had the candor to own before dismiss- 
ing the subject, that "in a deference to (the opposition) of good men, the 
Proposals were never prosecuted beyond the bounds of mere Proposals j^^ 
though in Connecticut,*after being shorn of their most objectionable feat- 
ures, they resulted in the -Consociation system, which now prevails over 
part of the State. 



INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. XIX 

than ever before we saw, of tlie value and glory of our invaded 
privileges ; and are of opinion, that if your consent may be ob- 
tained to a new edition, it may be of wonderful service to our 
churches, if God shall please to go forth with it. However, it 
may be a testimony that all our watchmen were not asleep, nor 
the camp of Christ surprised and taken before they had warmng. 
" We are, Reverend Sir, 

" Full of dutiful respect and gratitude, 
" Your sons and servants, 

" Samuel Moody. 
" John White." 

Encouraged by the success of his first blow in defence of in- 
vaded rights, he repeated the stroke soon after in his " Vindica- 
tion of the Government of New England Churches," — a produc- 
tion as remarkable for tough logic as the other is for keen satire. 
It was first issued in 1717, and is unquestionably the clearest and 
most convincing demonstration of the Congregational polity ever 
put forth in the same number of pages. In the Supreme Judi- 
cial Court, Baker versus Tales, Chief Justice Parker quoted from 
this treatise in 1820, as the highest ecclesiastical authority. (Mass. 
Rep. vol. xvi. p. 499.) It would have left its mark on any age 
that could produce it. But in that age, and among a people 
whose susceptibilities of impression were quickened by late en- 
croachments on popular freedom in the State, and still later, 
on the liberties of the churches, it was like setting a seal to melt- 
ed wax. Especially forcible is his argument " drawn from the 
light of nature." Digging down to the bottom, and laying bare 
the foundation-stones, he shows that all human government is, 
and must be, originally derived from the people. " For as they 
have a power, every man in a natural state, so, upon a combina- 
tion, they can and do bequeathe this power unto others, and settle 
it according as their united discretion shall determine," — which 
is seen in the obvious fact " that when the subject of sovereign 
power is quite extinct, that power returns to the people again, as 
to its natural source." Ranging all governments under three 
heads — monarchy, oligarchy, democracy — and subjecting them 
each to a scrutiny in the light of nature, he discovers that the last 
named is incomparably the best suited to the end for which hu- 



XX INTRODUCTOEY NOTICE. 

man government is instituted ; and looking at the Prelatic, the 
Presbyterian, and the Congregational, as the then corresponding 
forms of ecclesiastical rule, he finds the same grounds of prefer- 
ence for the latter. '' To me," he says, " it seems most apparent 
that under Christ, the reason of the constitution of these and the 
primitive churches is really and truly owing to the original state 
and liberty of mankind, and founded peculiarly in the light of 
nature," which conclusion being admitted, there is in it, he thinks, 
the force of a divine sanction. " It seems to me as though wise 
and provident nature, by the dictates of right reason, excited by 
the moving suggestions of humanity, and awed by the just de- 
mands of natural liberty, equality, and the principles of self-pres- 
ervation, originally drew up the scheme, and then obtained the 
royal approbation." 

This argument for the democracy of Congregational churches 
from the light of nature, which at that time was truly what he 
calls it, " an unbeaten path," was quite as available for a democ- 
racy in states, — an inference which could not have escaped the 
thoughtful reader of that age, nor have failed to give the public 
mind a bias towards the political independence which was 
achieved in the aije followino;. If Thomas Jefferson confessed 
himself indebted to the business meetings of a church in his 
neighborhood — substantially Congregational in government — 
for his best ideas of a democracy, much more were John Adams 
and his New England compatriots beholden to their ecclesiastical 
surroundings for the republican tendencies of their politics.* In- 
deed, some of the most glittering sentences in the immortal Dec- 
laration of American Independence are almost literal quotations 
from this essay of John Wise. And it is a significant fact, that 
in 1772, only four years before that declaration was made, a 
large edition of both those tracts was pubhshed by subscription 
in one duodecimo volume. The presumption which this fact 
alone suggests, that it was used as a political text-book in the 
great struggle for freedom then opening in earnest, is fully con- 



*In Bancroft's History, Vol. 11. p. 427, after alluding to Mr. Wise's de- 
termined resistance to the tyranny of Andros, as brought to notice in an- 
other part of this paper, the historian quotes as a saying of his, that " De- 
mocracy IS Christ's government, in church and state." 



INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. XXI 

firmed by tlie list of subscribers' names printed at the end, with 
the number of copies annexed. Distinguished laymen in all 
parts of New England, who were soon to be heralded to the 
world as heroes in that struggle, are on that list for six, twelve, 
twenty-four, thirty-six, and two of them for a hundred copies 
each! As the State itself, in its first organic life on these shores, 
was born of the church, so our republican form of government is 
the product of the Congregational church polity ; and of all men 
whom God has honored with an agency in the production, John 
Wise ranks among the foremost. 



VINDICATION OP THE G0"VT1ENMENT 



NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 



DRAWN FROM ANTIQUITY ; THE LIGHT OF NATURE ; THE HOLY 

SCRIPTURES; ITS NOBLE NATURE; AND FROM 

THE DIGNITY DIYINE PROVIDENCE 

HAS PUT UPON IT. 



By JOHN WISE, A.M., 

PASTOR OP A CHURCH IX IPSWICH. 



There are none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth ; 
neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath 
brought up. — Isaiah 51: 18. 

Say ye unto your brethren, Ammi, and to your sisters. Ruhamah. — Hosea 2 : 1. 



VINDICATION OF THE GOYEENMENT 



THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 



The Constitution of New England Churches, as settled by their Plat- 
form, may be fairly justified, from Antiquity ; the Light of Nature ; 
Holy Scripture; and from the Noble and ExceUent Nature of the 
Constitution itself. And lastly, from the Providence of God dignify- 
ing it. 



DEMONSTRATION I. 

THE VOICE OF ANTIQUITY. 



CHAPTER I. 

To DISTRIBUTE THE WHOLE CHRISTIAN ERA INTO THREE 
PARTS MAY SERVE TO RAISE A CLEARER LIGHT, AND MAKE 
A BRIGHTER ASPECT IN THIS ESSAY. 

1. The jfirst division contains the first three hun- 
dred years of Christianity, v^hich may be accounted 
the most refined and purest time, both as to faith 
and manners, that the Christian church has been 
honored with ; for that within this space, is contained 

1 



Z VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

the ministry of the apostles and holy evangelists, and 
other eminent persons authorized by them ; and such 
others who succeeded in office-trust through the sev- 
eral ages, within the space before named. This was 
the time of an immense effusion of the Spirit of 
God upon the world, when there was such a flux and 
inundation of the waters from the sanctuary, men- 
tioned Ezek. xlvii. This was the age of miracles; 
a time of extraordinary gifts, and when grace and 
true piety was in the greatest elevation. Christian 
religion was now a dangerous business; every man 
that took it up, lays down his life, honor, and fortune 
at stake ; he that owns Christ, must bid defiance to 
all the celebrated deities of the Roman empire; and 
thereby run counter to the religion of the imperial 
court. So that rationally we may expect to find the 
churches of Christ in the purest capacity they w^ere 
ever in ; in all points, both of principles and practice. 
That whatever their government was if they con- 
tinue the same from the days of the apostles, we 
may fairly conclude it to be authentic, and agreeable 
with their grand and original copy. It is most appar- 
ent, that the churches in those ages were under too 
good an influence internally, and the eye of too dire- 
ful a guard, externally to prevaricate with God, in 
the known principles of their order, any more than 
in their faith, though they were not without errors. 
Two or three hundred years is a long time in the 
world to keep up our constant mode and custom, 
either in religious or civil affairs, amongst men, who 
are so inclined to err, and apt to change their 
fashions : Nam est natura hominum novitatis avida. 
That for the churches through those many ages and 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 3 

in their several communities to agree in their disci- 
pline amongst themselves, and not essentially to 
differ from those churches that were truly apostolical, 
invincibly infers that their original was divine. But 
this will appear more plainly w^hen we have made 
and finished our survey. 

2. The second grand division of time contains the 
space of the next twelve hundred years downward, 
more or less ; within which circuit is included the 
commencement and progress of a direful apostasy, 
both as to worship and government in the churches. 
Some symptoms of these things were rising within 
the former division of time ; but in this they grew a 
great pace, and to that degree, that the Christian 
world became a notorious apostate. For as we have 
it in the idea of the reformation, the great Lord of 
time allowed a space, wearing the denomination of 
time, times, and half a time : or, in plainer expres- 
sions, twelve hundred and sixty years, in which space 
all the effects of a horrible apostasy made a very 
Gehennon of that which was called Christendom. 
And says Dr. Owen (in his preface to the inquiry 
into the original of the churches), Ambrose judged 
that it was the pride or ambition of the doctors of 
the church which introduced the alteration in its 
order. And, moreover, says the Dr. somewhat after 
this manner, namely: " The ambition of church rulers 
in the fourth and fifth centuries openly proclaimed 
itself, to the scandal of the Christian religion ; for 
that their interest led them to a deviation from the 
order and discipline of the church according to its 
first institution." For that the directions given about 
it in Scripture make it a matter so weighty in itself, 



4 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

and attended with so many difficulties, it being laid 
under such severe interdictions of lordly power, or 
seeking either of wealth or dignity, that it is no 
pleasant thing to flesh and blood, to engage in the 
conduct and oversight of Christ's volunteers ; to bear 
with their manners ; to exercise patience towards 
them in all their infirmities ; and in all their weak- 
nesses to continue a high valuation for them as the 
flock of God, which he hath purchased with his own 
blood. All this requires abundance of self-denial; 
and if so, then it is no wonder that many of their 
prelates were willing gradually to extricate them- 
selves out of this uneasy condition, and embrace all 
opportunities of introducing another order into the 
churches, that might tend more to the exaltation of 
their own power and dignity. And this was done 
accordingly ; for the bishops, by their arbitrary rules, 
shared the flock of Christ amongst themselves, and 
that without the consent of the people, as though 
they had conquered them by the sword. For thus 
they divide the spoil. This bishop, say they, shall 
have such a share and number of them under his 
power ; and that other bishop shall have so many ; 
and so far shall the jurisdiction of one extend, and 
so far another, that they soon canton out the whole 
Roman empire under a few patriarchs and head men. 
These things were the subject of their decrees and 
laws, which (those of Christ's being thrown by) were 
now become a rule for the churches. But yet neither 
did the bishops long keep within those bounds and 
limits which their more modest ambition had at first 
prescribed unto them, but went on, and took occasion 
from these beginnings to contend amongst them- 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 5 

selves about preeminency, dignity, and power — in 
which contest the bishop of Rome at length remained 
master of the field, and so Rome obtained the second 
conquest of the world. And then his holiness, the 
head of it, came to ride admiral of all the Sees, and 
then soon became lord of heaven and earth by the 
same rule of process which brought him to his high 
trust. Hence 

Query. What cannot wakeful ambition, learning, 
and fraud do, if jointly agreed, at rifling the greatest 
treasures bequeathed to mankind, especially when 
the world is generally gotten into a sleepy fit? 

3, Towards the latter end of this space of time 
began a glorious reformation. Many famous persons, 
memorable in ecclesiastical history, being moved by 
the Spirit of God, and according to Holy Writ, led the 
way in the face of all danger; such has Wickliff", 
who openly decried the pope as the very anti-Christ 
in the fourteenth century, and others in that age. 
And in the next century Martin Luther pursued the 
reformation with great boldness, resolution, and con- 
stancy. This is that famous Luther, says my author, 
of whom they who acknowledge the least must yet 
make as much as Dr. More makes of him ; for, saith 
the Dr., " I cannot think so very highly of Luther 
as some do ; and yet I think him to have been a very 
happy instrument in the hand of God, for the good 
of Christendom against the horrid enormities of the 
papal hierarchy. And though he might not be 
allowed to be the Elias, the conductor and chariot of 
Israel, as some have styled him ; yet I think at least 
he might be accounted a faithful postilion in that 
chariot, who was well accoutred with his wax boots, 



b VINDICATIOX OF THE GOVERNMENT 

oiled coat, and hood ; and who turned the horses' 
noses mto a direct way from Babylon toward the 
city of God, and held on in a good round trot, 
through thick and thin, not caring to bespatter others 
in this high fog, as he himself was finely bespattered 
by others." About which time Zuinglius, Oecolam- 
padius, Melanchthon, and other Christian heroes also 
listed into the same quarrel, and with great bravery 
and self-denial went forward with the reformation. 
Yet after the endeavors of such men, and others 
without number, through several ages downward, the 
churches which are called reformed attained to a very 
imperfect reformation, as Dr. Increase Mather says. 
And the defect has not been so much in doctrine, as 
in worship and discipline. And notwithstanding, 
says the Dr., in this respect also some churches have 
gone beyond others. Now to come to what I aim 
at, these churches in New England, as to their order 
and discipline, have surpassed all churches of the 
reformation. And under the head of discipline, it 
seems to me that Christ, the captain of salvation, 
has given out his word to these churches as to his 
troops coming up in the rear of time; and his word 
of command is — as you were; make good the old 
front, or place yourselves in that regimental order 
which the primitive churches were in whilst they 
marched under my banners, and encountered the 
devil in their heathen persecutors for the first three 
hundred years — for that the churches in New Eng- 
land and the primitive churches are eminently paral- 
lel in their government. Those first ages of the 
church, it is certain, were many times much annoyed 
with many pestilent and damnable heresies, and 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 7 

many usages in worship, too superstitious, crept in 
amongst them ; yet they continued in the constitu- 
tion of their church order very uniform and apostoli- 
cal; and it is very obvious that these churches in 
this wilderness, in the essentials of government, are 
every way parallel to them. 

I shall represent this business by a collection of 
parallel notes out of several authors of unques- 
tionable veracity ; and shall principally follow the 
guidance of one who has concealed his name, and 
styles his treatise " An inquiry into the constitu- 
tion, discipline, unity, and worship of the primitive 
churches." This author, in his preface, gives this 
fair account of his doings. Says he, " What I have 
written I have wholly collected out of the genuine 
and unquestionably authentic writings of those 
ages," meaning such as wrote in or of the three 
first centuries of Christianity. And says he, " I have 
been every way honest and unbiassed;" and being 
well assured of his fidelity, I shall endeavor to imi- 
tate his faithfulness in transcribing what I find in 
him suiting my present purpose. And I shall be 
well and sufliciently furnished when I have laid 
before the reader the notion which the ancients had 
of the church in its constituent parts, both of officers 
and people, with the several authorities, powers, 
rights, immunities, and prerogatives belonging unto 
each. And if we find that the primitive churches, 
in their order and discipline, did exactly agree in the 
essentials of government with the churches in New 
England, we may rationally then conclude that if 
they were apostolical, so are we. 



8 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

CHAPTER IL 

Of the church. 

To pass over all other observations, the most usual 
and common acceptation of the word "church," of 
which we must chiefly treat, is that of a particular 
church, which consists of a society of Christians 
meeting together in one place, under their proper 
pastors, for the performance of religious worship and 
the exercising of Christian discipline. This descrip- 
tion of a church is agreeable with the idiom both of 
Scripture and antiquity. Thus Tertullian, who lived 
about the end of the second century, gives us an 
account of the state, order, and worship of the 
churches. (Apol. ad Gen. cap. 39.) The description 
of a church he first lays down in these words, 
namely: Corpus su7nus de conscientia religionis^ et 
disciplince unitate^ et spei foedere. We are a body 
united in the conscience of religion, or for the con- 
scientious observation of the duties of religion, by 
an agreement in discipline, and in a covenant of 
hope. For whereas such a body or religious society 
could not be united but by a covenant, he calls it a 
covenant of hope, because the principal respect 
therein was had unto the things hoped for. This 
religious body or society, thus united by covenant, 
did meet together in the same assembly or congrega- 
tion ; for, says he. Corpus sumus^ coimus in coetum^ 
et congregationem nt ad deum, etc. We are a body, 
and meet in an assembly and congregation, to offer 
up our prayers unto God and attend the duties of 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 9 

the Christian religion. So Irenseus also, in the 
second century, tells us " that some of the brethren, 
and sometimes the whole church of some certain 
place, by fasting and prayer have raised the dead." 
Thus our own platform agrees in sense with the 
opinion of the ancients. (Plut. ch. 2, sect. 6.) " A 
congregational church is, by the institution of Christ, 
a part of the militant church, consisting of a com- 
pany of saints by calling, united into one body by 
an holy covenant," etc. But as to the independency, 
or real distinction between church and church, this 
will more clearly appear in what follows. Therefore 
I shall proceed to consider the constituent parts of a 
church, as divided, 

1. Into the people who composed the body of the 
church, called the elect, or the called and sanctified by 
the will of God ; and sometimes they are called the 
brethren, because of their brotherly ]ove, etc. 

2. Into those persons who were set apart for office, 
or for a peculiar and ecclesiastical improvement. 
And each party under this distribution, had their par- 
ticular immunities and employments. And under 
these heads, I shall confine the discourse to a parallel 
in the essentials in government or church order, be- 
tween the churches of Christ in the first ages of 
Christianity, and the churches of New England, as 
settled by their platform. 



10 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 



CHAPTER HI. 

I shall proceed to distribute and enumerate the 
operations and immunities of th.e_ churches. 

I. With relation to the peculiar acts pf the officers* 

II. The peculiar acts of the laity or fraternity. 

III. The joint acts of them both ; as performing 
the work and business of an organic church, or com- 
plete corporation. And, 

IV. I shall lastly make some observations upon 
the union of distinct churches, by acts of sisterly fel- 
lowship or communion. And hereby I shall com- 
plete the parallel, in the essentials of order, between 
the primitive churches and those of this country. 

I. The peculiar acts of the officers or clergy. Un- 
der this head might be considered the functions of 
every particular order and degree of the clergy ; 
which we may say were, according to the purest an- 
tiquity, but three, namely, bishops, priests or pres- 
byters, and deacons. I shall principally consider the 
bishop as the chief officer in trust and dignity, in the 
primitive church. And in order to it, 

1. In general observe, that though there were some 
distinctions in point of a titular dignity and degree 
between a bishop and presbyter ; yet they were really 
equal in order, and in the nature of their trust. For 
that in an ecclesiastical sense, bishop and presbyters 
are synonymous terms, setting forth the same office ; 
and signify no more but an elder, a pastor, ruler, or 
overseer of a church. Ignatius calls the apostles 
themselves the presbyters of the church ; and Theo- 
doret renders the reason of the appellation, for, saith 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 11 

he, " The Holy Scriptures called the chief men of Is- 
rael, the senate, or eldership." (Wils. Diet.) And, 
indeed, according to the apostle himself, presbyters, 
or elders, and bishops, are plainly terms of office, 
and of equal signification. As in Tit. 1 : 5, 7 : " For 
this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldst . . . 
ordain elders. . . . For a bishop must be blameless, as 
the steward of God," etc. 

In this discourse I shall represent the bishop in the 
sense of the primitive churches, as head and chief of- 
ficer of the church ; for, according to Cyprian, there 
was but one bishop, strictly so called, in a church at 
a time, though at the same time there were many 
elders or presbyters in the same church ; and the 
bishop, in a peculiar manner, was related to his flock, 
as a pastor to his sheep and a parent to his children. 
(Cyp. Epist. 38, § 1, p. 90.) And the titles of this 
supreme church officer, are most of them reckoned 
up in one place, in Cyp. Epist. 96, namely, bishop, 
pastor, president, governor, superintendent, or priest. 
And this officer is he, which in the Revelation, is 
called. The angel of the church, as Origen thinks. 

2. We may consider more distinctly the object of 
his care, or the dimensions of the bishop's diocess. 
It is very obvious, that this great and superior officer, 
as has been said, had but one church under his pas- 
toral care. The diocesses, government or dominion 
of these reverend prelates, are never (according to an- 
tiquity) said to contain churches in the plural, but 
only a church in the singular number. And the 
bishop was usually called the bishop of this or that 
church. As TertuUian saith, Polycarp was ordained 
bishop of the church of Smyrna, etc. And, more- 



12 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

over, it is accurately to be observed that the most 
frequent word used to denominate the extent of the 
bishop's care, or to set out the limits of his diocess, 
was that of a parish. So in the synodical epistle of 
Irenseus to Victor. The bishoprics of Asia are 
called parishes ; and in the history of Eusebius, the 
word is so applied in several hundred places. It is 
very useful there to read of bishops of this and that 
parish : as the bishop of the parish in Alexandria, 
the bishop of the parish in Ephesus, and in Corinth, 
etc. For that the word Paroikia, which we render 
parish, signifies housing, or living together. And in 
ordinary and civil use, it notes a village, small town, 
or part of a town, of people or persons dwelling to- 
gether. And in a church sense it signifies a compe- 
tent number of Christians dwelling near together, 
and having one bishop, pastor or minister, or more, 
set over them ; with whom they meet at one time or 
place, to worship and serve God. So that parish in 
this sense, is the same with a particular church or 
congregation. And this is plainly agreeable with 
the sense, custom, and platform of New England 
churches. 

3. That the bishop's diocess exceeded not the 
bounds of a parish, or a small town, or part of a 
town, is very evident from the following demonstra- 
tions, according to antiquity. 

Demonstration 1. For that all the people of a dio- 
cess did every Sunday meet together in one place to 
celebrate divine service. Thus saith Justin Martyr 
(Apol. 2, p. 98), all assemble together in one place, 
where the bishop preaches and prays. 

Demonst. 2. The bishop had but one altar or com- 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 13 

munion-table in his diocess, at which his whole flock 
received the sacrament from him. There is but one 
altar says Ignatius (Epist. ad Phila. p. 41), as there 
is but one bishop. So says Cyprian, we celebrate 
the sacrament ; the whole brotherhood being present. 
And thus it was in Justin Martyr's day. The 
bishop's whole diocess met together on Sunday, when 
the bishop gave them the eucharist. 

DemonsL 3. All the people of a diocess were pres- 
ent at church censures ; as Origen describes an of- 
fender, as appearing before the whole church, in 
Mat. tom. 13, p. 133, vol. 1. So Clemens Romanus 
calls the censures of the church the things com- 
manded by the multitude. 

DemonsL 4. No offenders were restored again to 
the churches' peace, without the knowledge and con- 
sent of the whole diocess ; they were to plead their 
cause before the whole people, etc. 

Demonst, 5. When the bishop of a church was 
dead, all the people of that church met together in 
one place to choose a new bishop. So Sabinus was 
chosen bishop of Emetria, by the suffrage of all the 
brotherhood. The whole diocess of the bishops did 
meet together to manage church affairs. Thus when 
the schism of Felicissimus, in the bishopric of Car- 
thage was to be debated, it was to be done according 
to the will of the people, and by the consent of the 
laity. And when there was some hot disputes about 
the restitution of the lapsed, Cyprian promised his 
whole diocess, that all those things should be exam- 
ined before them, and judged by them. So that 
from the premises, it is very evident that that diocess 
cannot possibly be more than one single congrega- 



14 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

tion ; nor that church more than a congregational 
church, where all the people and members of that 
church meet together at one time, and in one place, 
to pray together, to receive the sacrament together, 
assist at church censures together, and despatch 
church affairs together. And it is very apparent, 
that this was the method and way of the primitive 
churches, according to the preceding observations. 
And New England churches harmonize exactly in • 
their common practice, as though they had taken 
their directions from them. 

4. The bishop's duty, or the several particular 
operations of his honorable office, were such as these, 
namely, preaching of the word, praying with his 
people, administering the sacraments, taking care of 
the poor, ordaining of ministers, governing his flock, 
excommnnicating of offenders, and absolving of pen- 
itents. In a word, whatever can be comprised un- 
der those three general heads of preaching, worship, 
and government, were parts of the bishop's function 
and office. And this also is very agreeable with our 
platform (chap. 10, sect. 8). The power which 
Christ hath committed to the elders, is to feed and 
rule the church of God, etc. 



CHAPTER lY. 

II. The prerogatives, or peculiar immunities of the 

LAITY. 

The fraternity or body, of the people, had several 
high immunities inherent in them, and exercised by 
them as a church. As, 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 15 

1. Voting and giving their suffrage, for the admis- 
sion and censure of members. To this purpose 
before. 

2. To the electing their own officers. For when a 
parish, or bishopric, was vacant through the death of 
the incumbent, the members of that parish met in 
church to choose a fit person for his successor, to 
whom they might commit the care and government 
of the church. When Alexander was chosen bishop 
of Jerusalem, it was by compulsion or choice of the 
members of that church. And so in the church of 
Rome when their bishop was deceased, all the people 
met in the church to choose a successor. (Euseb. lib. 
6, cap. 28.) Though it is certain that after some 
time, the aspiring clergy robbed the people of this as 
well as of other of their rights. As it is well repre- 
sented by a late worthy anomalous author, writing 
de Ordinatione, p. 30, Crescente Paulatitn cleri po- 
iestate ad se magis indies^ etc. The power of the 
clergy gradually increasing, they daily drew more 
new rights to themselves, which they took from the 
people ; thinking that the dignity which they had ob- 
tained was not ample enough, if the people had any 
share with them in elections. Therefore at length 
snatch or take the whole business into their own 
hands ; the people, through their supine negligence, 
not much opposing of them. Yet that the people 
might be hushed into quiet (with much grace) they 
grant them the favor of beggars, namely, postulare, 
to ask for an officer. But this plundering of the 
churches falls within the second grand division of 
time, not within the first three hundred years. 

3. Of approbating of ordination. All the people 



16 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

were consulted, and none were admitted into holy- 
orders without their approbation. As we are assured 
by Cyprian (Epict. 33), who tells us it was his con- 
stant custom, in all ordinations to consult his people, 
and with their common counsel to weigh the merit 
of every candidate of the sacred orders. 

4. Of deposing of their own officers the way. 
(p. 96, sect. 2.) For if their bishops proved scanda- 
lous and wicked in life, heretical and apostates from 
the faith, the churches had power to degrade and 
depose them, and choose others in their room. 
There is a peculiar example of this kind in a letter 
from the church of Eome to the church of Corinth, 
written by Clemens Romanus (Euseb. lib. 3, chap. 
14), upon which Dr. Owen makes this observa- 
tion, namely, that the church of Corinth was fallen 
into a sinful excess in the deposition of their 
elders, whom the church of Rome judge to have 
presided amongst them laudably. But yet in the 
whole epistle the church of Corinth is nowhere 
reproved, for assuming an authority to themselves 
which did not belong to them. It seems what 
Cyprian afterwards affirmed was then acknowledged, 
namely, that the right of choosing the worthy, and 
rejecting the unworthy was in the body of the people. 
But the Corinthian church is severely reproved for 
the abuse of their liberty and power (State of 
Churches, p. 94). Also when two Spanish bishops 
were deposed by their churches, that the said 
churches might not seem to act by a power which 
belonged not to them, they sent into Africa to sev- 
eral bishops to know their judgment thereupon, who 
being convened in a synod (Ann. Dom. 258), whereof 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 17 

Cyprian was president, they commended and ap- 
proved their proceedings ; assuring them it was 
according to the divine law, which was express, that 
none but those that were holy and blameless, should 
approach God's altar ; that if they had continued to 
have communicated with their profane bishops, they 
would have been accessory to their guilt and villany, 
and would have contradicted those examples and 
commands in Scripture, which obliged a people to 
separate from wicked and ungodly ministers, that 
they had not acted irregularly in what they had 
done ; since the people had the chief power in choos- 
ing worthy bishops, so also of refusing those who 
were unworthy. And many other passages there are 
in that epistle which flatly assert the people's power 
of deposing scandalous bishops. Yet where the 
churches were associated to render their action more 
unquestionable, they had assistance from others ; but 
yet the power is plainly acknowledged to be inherent 
in the church. (Epist. 68 ; Apud. Cyp. sect. 1, 2, 3, 
p. 200.) These premises are very harmonious with 
the constitution of these churches. (Plat. ch. 10, sect. 
5, 6.) The power which is granted by Christ to the 
body of the church and brotherhood, is a prerogative. 

(1) In choosing their own officers. 

(2) In the admission and censures of their own 
members ; and, 

(3) In case an elder offend incorrigibly, etc., as 
they had power to call him to office, so they have 
power according to order to remove him from his 
office, etc. 

2 



18 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 



CHAPTEK V. 
IIL The joint acts of officers and people, carrying 

ON, AS AN ORGANIC BODY. 

And these peculiarly refer to the discipline and 
good government of the church. And though min- 
isterial trust (precisely considered) was solely de- 
volved on the officers, yet still the fraternity stood 
interested in, and possessed of a share in the judicial 
part of the government, the whole church in ordinary 
cases were the judges which composed the ecclesias- 
tical consistory. So that the power of the keys was 
so lodged both in the bishops and people, as that 
each had a share to exercise and improve in joint 
acts of judicature, and thus the clergy and laity con- 
junctly made up that supreme court which was in 
every parish, where all church offenders were tried, 
and when found guilty were sentenced and con- 
demned. That the laity did exercise judicial power 
in the church, is further evident from several testimo- 
nies. As in that of Clemens Romanus (Epist. 1, ad 
Corinth, p. 69), where he writes, who w^ill say ac- 
cording to the example of Moses. If seditions, con- 
tentions, and schisms are happened because of me, I 
will depart, I will go whithersoever you please, and I 
will do what shall be enjoined me by the people, so 
the church of Christ be in peace. So Origen de- 
scribes a criminal appearing before the whole church. 
In Mat. tom. 13, Cyprian, when some had commit- 
ted some great misdemeanors, professes himself not 
a sufficient judge, but they ought to be tried by all 
the people. (Epist. 28, p. 64.) And to the same pur- 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 19 

pose he writes of other delinquents, namely : That 
such matters should be adjusted according to the 
arbitrament, and common council of the people. 
And that the lapsed in admitting them to commun- 
ion, should plead their cause before the clergy, and 
before all the people. And concerning such matters 
he writes to the people, that when it should please 
God to restore peace to the church, and reduce him 
from exile, then the case of the delinquents should be 
examined in their presence, and according to their 
judgment. And Cyprian writes in another place, 
that all things were debated in common amongst 
them. And that whoever was excommunicated, it 
was by the suffrages of the people. And though the 
elders were principally concerned, in preparing cases 
for the churches' cognizance, yet it is plain that the 
decisive suffrage was (in part) the prerogative of the 
people. To this purpose we have an instance in 
some that joined in the schism of Novatus, who be- 
ing sensible of their fault, came into the presbytery 
and desired the churches' peace ; the presbytery ac- 
cepted their submission, and proposed it to the whole 
charch, who readily embraced it. Now it is to be 
observed, that agreeably with the fore-cited practice 
of the primitive churches, oar own platform has de- 
cided the question concerning the subject and exer- 
cise of government. (Platf. ch. 10, sect. 11.) The 
ordinary power of government belongs only to the 
elders ; and power of privilege remaineth with the 
brotherhood (as the power of judgment in matters 
of censure, and power of liberty in matters of liberty), 
thence it follows, that in an organic church and right 
administration, all church acts proceed after the man- 



20 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

ner of a mixed administration, so that no church 
act can be consummated or perfected without the 
consent of both. 



CHAPTER VL 

TV. The fellowship and communion that distinct 

CHURCHES HAD AND HELD ONE WITH ANOTHER. 

It is very obvious by this time (and he must blind 
his own eyes that won't see it), that the primitive 
churches (according to the account we have of their 
regimen for the first three hundred years from 
Christ), were distinct, political bodies; and neither 
diocesan, national, provincial, nor classical, but prop- 
erly congregational churches. And as such, were 
perfect and complete societies incorporate; so that 
they had a power and capacity of carrying on all 
church-work within themselves, and wanted not to 
borrow, or receive from others, for the support of 
their being, and so were independent. Yet consider- 
ing they were imperfect in their matter, and therefore 
to help forward their well-being, wanted the advan- 
tage of all good means ; with the influence of the 
grace, love, knowledge, experience, wisdom, and 
counsel of each other ; so they were dependent, and 
became mutually officious, and accountable to each 
other : somewhat after the manner, as Mr. Hooker 
distinguishes on the independency and dependency 
of gospel churches. (Pol. lib. 2, ch. 3.) Says he, 
" Independency implies two things. Either, 

" 1. An absolute supremacy, opposed to subordina- 
tion ; and so a particular church is not independent 



i 



OP THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 21 

it being accountable to civil governmentj etc. And 
also to the consociation of churches. Or, 

"2. Independency signifies a sufficiency in its 
kind, for the attainment of its end. And in this 
sense, independency is opposed to imperfection ; and 
if we take it thus, then a particular church may be 
said to be independent, it being sufficient to attain 
the end it was instituted for ; it having complete 
power, when rightly constituted, to exercise all the 
the ordinances of God. And thus we find, that the 
primitive churches in this sense were independent 
churches ; that is, every particular church had a suf- 
ficient right and power, without the concurrence and 
authority of any other church, to carry on the wor- 
ship of God, and exercise of discipline in their dis- 
tinct society. And yet as they were parts of the 
universal church, held themselves obliged to suitable 
communion. And for the support of unity, love, 
and concord amongst them, and to advise about 
their common circumstances and condition; and 
also to regulate their ecclesiastical affairs within 
their general limits, for their mutual advantage ; did 
therefore form themselves into synodical assemblies, 
and were governed in common by them ; for that 
their synodical decrees, canons, or institutions, were 
accounted obligatory to all the churches, who had 
their representatives in the synods. For, indeed, to 
what purpose else did they draw up their resolves, 
but for the good and benefit of the whole community. 
And it would have been very fruitless to have made 
wearisome journeys, with great cost and pains to 
determine such things, as they judged expedient for 
the churches' well-being, if, after all, it were indiffer- 



22 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

ent whether they were obeyed or no : or that when 
the whole was agreed, some should reluct and remon- 
strate ; and especially when things were fairly settled 
by a joint suffrage in synods, some small set of wise 
men should hold themselves wiser than whole syn- 
ods, and afterwards should of their own heads, in 
their more private apartments, set forward new 
schemes, which in itself is disorderly, and a way to 
keep the churches constantly fluctuating, and restless 
like the unstable ocean. And, indeed, considering 
the regularity, wisdom, and union in synodical settle- 
ments, whilst that all sorts of persons interested, 
both officers and people having had their full liberty 
in debates, and their free votes and suffrages, in 
drawing up the decrees and settlements, it is a bold 
intrusion, and little better than defying and trampling 
under foot the unity, love, honor, and authority of the 
churches, to run counter with synodical settlements, 
till they are fairly repealed by the like power which 
made the settlements." And thus we come to con- 
sider the members of the synods of the primitive 
churches. 

And these were bishops, presbyters, deacons, and 
deputed laymen, in behalf of the people of their re- 
spective churches. At a great synod at Antioch, 
which condemned Paulus Samosatenus, there were 
present bishops, presbyters, deacons, and the church 
of God ; that is laymen, who represented the people 
of their several churches. (Euseb. 1. 7, cap. 30.) Also 
when the heresy of the Montanists was fixed and 
preached, the faithful in Asia met together several 
times to examine it, and upon examination con- 
demned it. (Euseb. lib. 5, cap. 16.) Also there being 



! 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 23 

some heats in the church of Carthage, about the 
restitution of the lapsed, Cyprian, bishop of that 
church, writes from exile, — That there should be 
convened a synod of bishops, and of the laity, who 
had stood firm through the persecution, to consult 
about, and to determine their affairs. (Epist. 14.) 
And moreover at a great synod held at Carthage, 
Anno. 258, there were present eighty-seven bishops, 
together with presbyters and deacons, and a great 
part of the laity. (Apud Cypri. p. 443.) 

The principles of the churches in New England, 
asserting the right of the people in synodical meet- 
ings, are fully set down in the chapter concerning 
synods. (Platf.) And the practice of these in har- 
mony with the primitive churches has been all along 
agreeable to it. In the last synod which was in New 
England, in the year 1679, some churches sent only 
their elders without their brethren, with which the 
synod was so far unsatisfied, as that they w^ould not 
allow those pastors to sit with them until they had 
prevailed with their churches to send brethren also ; 
being very tender of admitting anything, that should 
look like the infringement of that liberty and privi- 
lege, w^hich does by the institution of Christ belong 
to the brotherhood in particular churches. (Dr. Math- 
er's Order, Q. 11.) I shall conclude this head or de- 
monstration with these weighty and solemn words of 
the learned and famous Mr. Oakes, president of the 
college, in his election sermon : " Consider," says he, 
"what will be the end of receding, or making of a 
defection from the way of church government estab- 
lished amongst us. I profess that I look upon the 
discovery and settlement of the congregational way, 



24 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

as the boon, the gratuity, the largeness of divine 
bounty, which the Lord graciously bestowed on this 
people, that followed him into this wilderness, and 
who were separated from their brethren. Those 
good people who came over had more love, zeal, and 
affectionate desire of communion with God, in pure 
worship and ordinances, and did more in order to it, 
than others ; and the Lord did more for them than 
for any people in the world, in showing them the 
pattern of his house, and the truer scriptural way of 
church government and administrations. God was 
certainly in a more than ordinary way present with 
his servants in laying our foundations, and in settling 
church-order, according to the wull and appointment 
of Christ. Consider what will be the sad issue of 
revolting from the way fixed on to one extreme or to 
another, whether it be to Presbyterianism or Brown- 
ism. As for the Presbyterians, it must be acknowl- 
edged that there are amongst them as pious, learned, 
sober, orthodox men as the world affords ; and that 
there is as much of the power of godliness among 
that party, and of the spirit of the good old puritans, 
as among any people in the world. And as for the 
ways of their church government, it must be con- 
fessed, that in the day of it, it was a great step to 
reformation. The reformation in King Edward's 
day, was a blessed work ; and the reformation of 
Geneva and Scotland was then a larger step, and in 
many respects purer than the other. And for my 
part, I fully believe that the congregational way 
far exceeds both, and is the highest step that has 
been taken towards reformation ; and for the sub- 
stance of it, it is the very same way that was estab- 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 25 

lished and practised in the primitive times, according 
to the institution of Jesus Christ." Thus ends my 
first demonstration in a fair parallel drawn up be- 
tween the holiest churches that ever were in the 
world, and the churches of New England; and how- 
ever they may differ in their morals, they are very 
harmonious in their order. And considering that 
the former cannot rationally be thought but they de- 
rived their constitution from the apostles, and so it 
must needs be of a divine original: and if so, then 
these in New England who are fashioned so exactly 
like them, must needs be of the same pedigree, etc. 
But I shall waive all improvement of the premises, 
and leave the whole to the serious and judicious 
thoughts of every impartial reader, not doubting but 
he will find sufficient evidence of the divine original 
of these churches in what has been said. And that 
I might now obtain a supersedeas, and forbear add- 
ing any further plea in their defence. But yet to 
gratify my own curiosity, and divert the reader, I 
shall proceed to inquire into the natural reason of the 
constitution of those churches we have been com- 
paring. In this question I shall go out of the com- 
mon road, and take into an unusual and unbeaten 
path, wherein possibly I may fall into some thickets 
now and then, and be somewhat entangled ; yet I hope 
the candid reader will afford some succor by his ten- 
der clemency, and his friendly interpretation of my 
good intentions. For though I may in so devious a 
way, miss of some part of the truth, yet I have a 
great presumption that I may open a road to men 
of greater learning, and a deeper search, that wall 
lead to a rich treasure of knowledge and wisdom, for 



26 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

ease and relief under those many questions and 
crabbed debates concerning church government in 
the Christian world ; for to me it seems apparent, 
that, under Christ, the reason of the constitution of 
these and the primitive churches, is really and truly 
owing to the original state and liberty of mankind, 
and founded peculiarly in the light of nature. 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 27 



DEMONSTRATION II. 

FROM THE LIGHT OF NATURE. 



CHAPTER I. 

The divine establishment in providence of the fore- 
named churches, in their order, is apparently the royal 
assent of the supreme monarch of the churches, to 
the grave decisions of reason in favor of man's nat- 
ural state of being and original freedom. For if we 
should make a new survey of the constitution before 
named under the brightest light of nature, there is 
no greater example of natural wisdom in any settle- 
ment on earth for the present and future security of 
human beings in all that is most valuable and grand, 
than in this. That it seems to me as though wi^e 
and provident nature by the dictates of right reason 
excited by the moving suggestions of humanity ; and 
awed with the just demands of natural liberty, equity, 
equality, and principles of self-preservation, origi- 
nally drew up the scheme, and then obtained the royal 
approbation. And certainly it is agreeable that we 
attribute it to God, whether we receive it nextly 
from reason or revelation, for that each is equally an 
emanation of his wisdom. (Prov. 20: 27.) The 
spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all 
the inward parts of the belly. There be many larger 
volumes in this dark recess called the belly, to be read 
by that candle God has lighted up. And I am very 



28 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

well assured the fore-named constitution is a tran- 
script out of some of their pages. (John 1 : 4, 9.) 
And the life was the light of men, which lighteth 
every man which cometh into the world. This ad- 
mirable effect of Christ's creating power in hanging 
out so many lights to guide man through a dark 
world, is as applicable to the light of reason, as to 
that of revelation. For that the light of reason as a 
law and rule of right, is an effect of Christ's good- 
ness, care, and creating power, as well as of revela- 
tion ; though revelation is nature's law in a fairer and 
brighter edition. This is granted by the London 
ministers (p. 8, c. 3) : " That that which is evident 
by, and consonant to the true light of nature, or nat- 
ural reason, is to be accounted Jure Divino^ in mat- 
ters of religion." But in the further and more dis- 
tinct management of this plea, I shall, 

I. Lay before the reader several principles of nat- 
ural knowledge. 

II. Apply or improve them in ecclesiastical affairs. 

III. Infer from the premises, a demonstration that 
these churches, if not properly formed, yet are fairly 
established in their present order by the law of na- 
ture. 



CHAPTER 11. 



I. I shall disclose several principles of natural 
knowledge, plainly discovering the law of nature, or 
the true sentiments of natural reason, with respect to 
man's being and government. And in this essay I 



OF THE XEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 29 

shall peculiarly confine the discourse to two heads, 
namely : 

1. Of the natural (in distinction from the civil), and 
then, 

2. Of the civil being of man. x4nd I shall princi- 
pally take Baron Puffendorff for my chief guide and 
spokesman. 

(1) I shall consider man in a state of natural being, 
as a free-born subject under the crown of heaven, 
and owing homage to none but God himself. It is j 
certain civil government in general is a very admira- / 
ble result of providence, and an incomparable benefit | 
to mankind, yet must needs be acknowledged to be I 
the effect of human free-compacts and not of divine! 
institution ; it is the produce of man's reason, of hu-l 
man and rational combinations, and not from anyj 
direct orders of infinite wisdom, in any positive law'i 
wherein is drawn up this or that scheme of civil 
government. Government (says Lord Warrington) 
is necessary. . . in that no society of men can subsist 
without it; and_ that particular form of government 
is necessary which best suits the temper and inclina- 
tion of a people. Nothing can be God's ordinance, 
but what he has particularly declared to be such; 
there is no particular form of civil government de- 
scribed in God's word, neither does nature prompt it. 
The government of the Jews was changed five times. 
Government is not formed by nature, as other births 
or productions ; if it were, it would be the same in 
all countries ; because nature keeps the same method, 
in the same thing, in all climates. If a common- 
wealth be changed into a monarchy, is it nature that 
forms and brings forth the monarch ? Or if a royal 



30 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

family be wholly extinct (as in Noah's case, being 
not heir apparent from descent from Adam) is it na- 
ture that must go to work (with the king's bees, who 
themselves alone preserve the royal race in that em- 
pire) to breed a monarch before the people can have 
a king, or a government sent over them ? And thus 
we must leave the kings to resolve which is their best 
title to their crowns, whether natural right, or the 
constitution of government settled by human com- 
pacts, under the direction and conduct of reason. 

But to proceed under the head of a state of natu- 
ral being, I shall more distinctly explain the state of 
human nature in its original capacity, as man is 
placed on earth by his Maker, and clothed with many 
investitures and immunities w^hich properly belong 
to man separately considered. As, 

The prime immunity in man's state, is that he is 
most properly the subject of the law of nature. He 
is the favorite animal on earth ; in that this part of 
God's image, namely, reason, is congenate with his 
nature, wherein by a law immutable, enstamped upon 
his frame, God has provided a rule for men in all 
their actions, obliging each one to the performance of 
that which is right, not only as to justice, but like- 
wise as to all other moral virtues, the which is noth- 
ing but the dictate of right reason founded in the 
soul of man. (Molloy, De Mao, Prsef) That which 
is to be drawn from man's reason, flowing from the 
true current of that faculty, when unperverted, may 
be said to be the law of nature, on which account, 
the Holy Scriptures declare it written on men's hearts. 
For being endowed with a soul, you may know from 



OF THE IN-EW EXGLAXD CHURCHES. 31 

yourself, how, and what you ought to act. (Rom. 2 : 
14.) These having not a law, are a law to them- 
selves. So that the meaning is, when we acknowl- 
edge the law of nature to be the dictate of right rea- 
son, we must mean that the understanding of man is 
endowed with such a power, as to be able, from the 
contemplation of human condition to discover a ne- 
cessity of living agreeably with this law ; and like- 
wise to find out some principle, by which the pre- 
cepts of it, may be clearly and solidly demonstrated. 
The way to discover the law of nature in our own 
state, is by a narrow watch, and accurate contempla- 
tion of our natural condition and propensions. Oth- 
ers say this is the way to find out the law of nature, 
namely, if a man any way doubts, whether w^hat he 
is going to do to another man be agreeable to the 
law of nature, then let him suppose himself to be in 
that other man's room, and by this rule effectually 
executed. A man must be a very dull scholar to 
nature not to make proficiency in the knowledge of 
her laws. But more particularly in pursuing our 
condition for the discovery of the law of nature, this 
is very obvious to view, namely, 

(1) A principle of self-love and self-preservation is 
very predominant in every man's being. 

(2) A sociable disposition. 

(3) An affection or love to mankind in general. 
And to give such sentiments the force of a law, we 

must suppose a God w^ho takes care of all mankind, 
and has thus obliged each one, as a subject of higher 
principles of being th.an mere instincts. For that all 
law, properly considered, supposes a capable subject 
and a superior power, and the law of God which is 



32 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

binding, is published by the dictates of right reason 
as other ways. Therefore, says Plutarch, to follow 
God and obey reason is the same thing. But, more- 
over, that God has established the law of nature, as 
the general rule of government, is further illustrable 
from the many sanctions in providence, and from the 
peace and guilt of conscience in them that either 
obey or violate the law of nature. But, moreover, 
the foundation of the law of nature with relation to 
government, may be thus discovered, namely : Man 
is a creature extremely desirous of his own preserva- 
tion ; of himself he is plainly exposed to many 
wants, unable to secure his own safety and mainte- 
nance without assistance of his fellows ; and he is 
also able of returning kindness by the furtherance of 
mutual good ; but yet man is often found to be ma- 
licious, insolent, and easily provoked, and as power- 
ful in effecting mischief as he is ready in designing 
it. Now that such a creature may be preserved, it is 
necessary that he be sociable ; that is, that he be ca- 
pable and disposed to unite himself to those of his 
own species, and to regulate himself towards them, 
that they may have no fair reason to do him harm ; 
but rather incline to promote his interests, and secure 
his rights and concerns. This then is a fundamental 
law of nature, that every man as far as in him lies, 
do maintain a sociableness with others, agreeable 
with the main end and disposition of human nature 
in general. For this is very apparent, that reason 
and society render man the most potent of all crea- 
tures. And finally, from the principles of sociable- 
ness it follows as a fundamental law of nature, that 
man is not so wedded to his own interest, but that 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 33 

he can make the common good the mark of his aim ; 
and hence he becomes capacitated to enter into a 
civil state by the law of nature ; for without this 
property in nature, namely, sociableness, which is for 
cementing of parts, every government would soon 
moulder and dissolve. 

The second great immunity of man is an original 
liberty enstamped upon his rational nature. He that 
intrudes upon this liberty, violates the law of nature. 
In this discourse I shall waive the consideration of 
man's moral turpitude, but shall view him physically 
as a creature which God has made and furnished 
essentially with many ennebling-4mmtt»ities,-^whictr' 
render him the rnost august animal in the world, and 
still, whatever has happened since his creation, he 
remains at the upper end of nature, and as such is a 
creature of a very noble character. For as to his 
dominion, the whole frame of the lower part of the 
universe is devoted to his use, and at his command ; 
and his liberty under the conduct of right reason is 
equal with his trust. Which liberty may be briefly 
considered, internally as to his mind, and externally 
as to his person. 

(1) The native liberty of man's nature implies, a 
faculty of doing or omitting things according to the 
direction of his judgment. But in a more special 
meaning, this liberty does not consist in a loose and 
ungovernable freedom, or in an unbounded license of 
acting. Such license is disagreeing with the condi- 
tion and dignity of man, and would make man of a 
lower and meaner constitution than brute creatures, 
who in all their liberties are kept under a better and 

3 



34 VINDICATION OE THE GOVERNMENT 

more rational government by their instincts. There- 
fore, as Plutarch says : Those persons only who live 
in obedience to reason, are worthy to be accounted 
free : they alone live as they will, who have learned 
what they ought to will. So that the true natural 
liberty of man, such as really and truly agrees to him 
must be understood, as he is guided and restrained 
by the ties of reason and laws of nature ; all the rest 
is brutal, if not worse. 

(2) Man's external personal, natural liberty, antece- 
dent to all human parts or alliances, must also be 
considered. And so every man must be conceived 
to be perfectly in his own power and disposal, and 
not to be controlled by the authority of any other. 
And thus every man must be acknowledged equal 
to every man, since all subjection and all command 
are equally banished on both sides ; and considering 
all men thus at liberty, every man has a prerogative 
to judge for himself, namely, what shall be most for 
his behoof, happiness, and well-being. 

The third capital immunity belonging to man's 
nature, is an equality amongst men ; which is not to 
be denied by the law of nature, till man has resigned 
himself with all his rights for the sake of a civil state, 
and then his personal liberty and equality is to be 
cherished and preserved to the highest degree, as 
will consist with all just distinctions amongst men of 
honor, and shall be agreeable with the public good. 
For man has a high valuation of himself, and the 
passion seems to lay its first foundation (not in pride, 
but) really in the high and admirable frame and con- 
stitution of human nature. The word man, says my 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES^ 35 

author, is thought to carry somewhat of dignity in 
its sound ; and we comnionly make use of this as 
the most proper and prevailing argument against a 
rude insulter, namely, I am not a beast or a dog, 
but am a man as well as yourself. Since, then, hu- 
man nature agrees equally with all persons, and 
since no one can live a sociable life with another that 
does not ow^n or respect him as a man, it follows as 
a command of the law of nature, that every man 
esteem and treat another as one who is naturally his 
equal, or who is a man as well as he. There be 
many popular or plausible reasons that greatly illus- 
trate this equality, namely, that we all derive our 
being from one stock, the same common father of the 
human race. On this consideration, Boethius checks 
the pride of the insulting nobility. 

Quid genus et proavos strepitis ? 
Si primordia vestra, 
Auteremque deum spectas, 
Nullus degener extat 
Nisi vitiis pejora fovens, 
Proprium deserat orturn. 

Fondly our first descent we boast ; 
If whence at first our breath we drew, 
The common springs of life we view, 
The airy notion soon is lost. 

The Almighty made us equal all ; 
But he that slavishly complies 
To do the drudgery of vice, 
Denies his hi^^h oriirinal. 

And also that our bodies are composed of matter, 
frail, brittle, and liable to be destroyed by thousand 
accidents ; we all owe our existence to the same 



36 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

method of propagation. The noblest mortal in his 
entrance on the stage of life, is not distinguished by 
any pomp, or of passage from the lowest of mankind, 
and our life hastens to the same general mark. 
Death observes no ceremony, but knocks as loud at 
the barriers of the court, as at the door of the cot- 
tage. This equality being admitted, bears a very 
great force in maintaining peace and friendship 
amongst men. For that he who would use the as- 
sistance of others in promoting his own advantage, 
ought as freely to be at their service when they want 
his help on the like occasion. One good turn re- 
quires another, is the common proverb ; for other- 
wise he must need esteem others unequal to himself, 
who constantly demands their aid, and as constantly 
denies his own. And whoever is of this insolent 
temper, cannot but highly displease those about him, 
and soon give occasion of the breach of the common 
peace. It was a manly reproof which Caractacus 
gave the Romans. Num si vos omnibus^ etc. What! 
because you desire to be masters of all men, does it 
follow therefore that all men should desire to be your 
slaves, for that it is a command of nature's law, that 
no man that has not obtained a particular and special 
right, shall arrogate to himself a larger share than his 
fellows, but shall admit others to equal privileges 
with himself. So that the principle of equality in a 
natural state is peculiarly transgressed by pride, 
which is, when a man without sufficient reason pre- 
fers himself to others. And though as Hensius para- 
phrases upon Aristotle's politics to this purpose, 
namely : Nothing is more suitable to nature, than that 
those w^ho excel in understanding and prudence, 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 37 

should rule and control those who are less happy in 
those advantages, etc. Yet we must note, that there 
is room for an answer, namely, that it would be the 
greatest absurdity to believe, that nature actually in- 
vests the wise with a sovereignty over the weak ; or 
with a right of forcing them against their wills ; for 
that no sovereignty can be established, unless some 
human deed or covenant precede. Nor does natural 
fitness for government make a man presently gov- 
ernor over another ; for that as Ulpian says, by a 
natural right all men are born free, and nature hav- 
ing set all men upon a level and made them equals, 
no servitude or subjection can be conceived w^ithoutt 
inequality ; and this cannot be made without usur- \ 
pation or force in others, or voluntary compliance in \ 
those who resign their freedom, and give away their \ 
degree of natural being. And thus we come, 

2. To consider man in a civil state of being, where- 
in we shall observe the great difference between a 
natural and political state ; for in the latter state 
many great disproportions appear, or at least many 
obvious distinctions are soon made amongst men, 
which doctrine is to be laid open under a few heads. 

(1) Every man, considered in a natural state, must 
be allowed to be free and at his own disposal ; yet 
to suit man's inclinations to society, and in a pecul- 
iar manner to gratify the necessity he is in of public 
rule and order, he is impelled to enter into a civil 
community, and divests himself of his natural free- 
dom, and puts himself under government, which, 
amongst other things, comprehends the power of life 
and death over him, together with authority to enjoin 



38 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

him some things to which he has an utter aversion, 
and to prohibit him other things for which he may- 
have as strong an inclination — so that he maybe 
often, under this authority, obliged to sacrifice his 
private for the public good ; so that though man is 
inclined to society, yet he is driven to a combination 
by great necessity. For that the true and leading 
cause of forming governments and yielding up natu- 
ral liberty, and throwing man's equality into a com- 
mon pile to be new cast by the rules of fellowship, 
was really and truly to guard themselves against the 
injuries men were liable to interchangeably; for none 
so good to man as man, and yet none a greater 
enemy. So that, 

(2) The first human subject and original of civil 
power is the people ; for as they have a power every 
man over himself in a natural state, so upon a com- 
bination they can and do bequeathe this power unto 
others, and settle it according as their united discre- 
tion shall determine. For that this is very plain, that 
when the subject of sovereign power is quite extinct, 
that power returns to the people again. And when 
they are free, they may set up what species of 
government they please ; or if they rather incline to 
it, they may subside into a state of natural being, if 
it be plainly for the best. In the Eastern country of 
the Mogul, we have some resemblance of the case, 
for upon the death of an absolute monarch, they live 
so many days without a civil head ; but in that inter- 
regnum those who survive the vacancy are glad to 
get into a civil state again, and usually they are in a 
very bloody condition when they return under the 
covert of a new monarch ; this project is to endear 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. ' 39 

the people to a tyranny, from the experience they 
have so lately had of an anarchy. 

(3) The formal reason of government is the will of 
a community yielded up and surrendered to some 
other subject, either of one particular person or more, 
conveyed in the following manner. 

Let us conceive in our mind a multitude of men, 
all naturally free and equal, going about voluntarily 
to erect themselves into a new commonwealth. Now 
their condition being such, to bring themselves into 
a politic body they must needs enter into divers cove- 
nants. 

1. They must interchangeably each man covenant 
to join in one lasting society, that they may be 
capable to concert the measures of their safety, by a 
public vote. 

2. A vote or decree must then nextly pass to set 
up some particular species of government over them. 
And if they are joined in their first compact upon 
absolute terms to stand to the decision of the first 
vote concerning the species of government, then all 
are bound by the majority to acquiesce in that par- 
ticular form thereby settled, though their own private 
opinions incline them to some other model. 

3. After a decree has specified the particular form 
of government, then there will be need of a new 
covenant, whereby those on whom sovereignty is 
conferred engage to take care of the common peace 
and welfare ; and the subjects, on the other hand, to 
yield them faithful obedience ; in which covenant is 
included that submission and union of wills by which 
a state may be conceived to be but one person. So 



40 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

that the most proper definition of a civil state is this, 
namely : A civil state is a compound moral person, 
whose will (united by those covenants before passed) 
is the will of all, to the end it may use and apply the 
strength and riches of private persons towards main- 
taining the common peace, security, and well-being 
of all, which may be conceived as though the whole 
state was now become but one man ; in which the 
aforesaid covenants may be supposed, under God's 
providence, to be the divine fiat pronounced by God, 
" Let us make man." And by way of resemblance 
the aforesaid being may be thus anatomized. 

(1) The sovereign power is the soul infused, giv- 
ing life and motion to the whole body. 

(2) Subordinate officers are the joints by which 
the body moves. 

(3) Wealth and riches are the strength. 

(4) Equity and laws are the reason. 

(5) Counsellors the memory. 

(6) Salus Populi, or the happiness of the people 
is the end of its being, or main business to be 
attended and done. 

(7) Concord amongst the members and all estates, 
is the health. 

(8) Sedition is sickness, and civil war death. 

4. The parts of sovereignty may be considered 
thus : — 

(1) As it prescribes the rule of action, it is rightly 
termed legislative power. 

(2) As it determines the controversies of subjects 
by the standard of those rules, so is it justly termed 
judiciary power. 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 41 

(3) As it arms the subjects against foreigners, or 
forbids hostility, so it is called the power of peace 
and war. 

(4) As it takes in ministers for the discharge of 
business, so it is called the right of appointing magis- 
trates. So that all great officers and public servants 
must needs owe their original to the creating power 
of sovereignty; so that those whose right it is to 
create may dissolve the being of those who are 
created, unless they cast them into an immortal 
frame, and yet must needs be dissoluble if they justly 
forfeit their being to their creators. 

(5) The chief end of civil communities is, that 
men thus conjoined may be secured against the inju- 
ries they are liable to from their own kind; for if 
every man could secure himself singly, it would be 
great folly for him to renounce his natural liberty, in 
which every man is his own king and protector. 

(6) The sovereign authority, besides that it inheres 
in every state as in a common and general subject, 
so further according as it resides in some one person, 
or in a council (consisting of some select persons, or 
of all the members of a community) as in a proper 
and particular subject, so it produceth different forms 
of commonwealths, namely, such as are either simple 
and regular, or mixed. 

The forms of a regular state are three only, which 
forms arise from the proper and particular subject in 
which the supreme power resides. As, 

1. A democracy, which is when the sovereign 
power is lodged in a council consisting of all the 
members, and where every member has the privilege 



42 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

of a vote. This form of government appears in the 
greatest part of the world to have been the most 
ancient./ For that reason seems to show it to be 
most probable, that when men (being originally in a 
condition of natural freedom and equality) 'had 
thoughts of joining in a civil body, would! without 
question be inclined to administer their common 
affairs by their common judgment, and so must 
necessarily, 'to gratify that inclination, establish a 
democracy; neither can it be rationally imagined 
that fathers of families, being yet free and indepen- 
dent, should in a moment or little time take off their 
long delight in governing their own affairs, and 
devolve all upon some single sovereign commander ; 
for that it seems to have been thought more equitable 
that what belonged to all should be managed by all, 
when all had entered by compact into one commu- 
nity. The original of our government, says Plato 
(speaking of the Athenian commonwealth),was taken 
from the equality of our race. Other states there 
are composed of different blood, and of unequal lines, 
the consequences of which are disproportionable 
sovereignty, tyrannical or oligarchical sway, under 
which men live in such a manner as to esteem them- 
selves partly lords, and partly slaves to each other. 
But we and our countrymen, being all born brethren 
of the same mother, do not look upon ourselves to 
stand under so hard a relation as that of lords and 
slaves ; but the parity of our descent inclines us to 
keep up the like parity by our laws, and to yield the 
precedency to nothing but to superior virtue and 
wisdom. And moreover, it seems very manifest that 
most civil communities arose at first from the union 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 43 

of families that were nearly allied in race and blood ; 
and though ancient story makes frequent mention of 
kings, yet it appears that most of them were such 
that had an influence rather in persuading than in 
any power of commanding. So Justin describes that 
kind of government as the most primitive which 
Aristotle styles an heroical kingdom, namely, such 
as is noways inconsistent with a democratical state. 
De princip. Reru. 1, 1. 1, c. 

A democracy is then erected, when a number of 
free persons do assemble together in order to enter 
into a covenant for uniting themselves in a body ; 
and such a preparative assembly hath some appear- 
ance already of a democracy ; it is a democracy in 
embryo, properly in this respect, that every man hath 
the privilege freely to deliver his opinion concerning 
the common affairs. Yet he who dissents from the 
vote of the majority is not in the least obliged by 
what they determine, till by a second covenant a 
popular form be actually established ; for not before 
then can we call it a democratical government, 
namely, till the right of determining all matters' 
relating to the public safety is actually placed in a 
general assembly of the whole people ; or by their 
own compact and mutual agreement, determine 
themselves the proper subject for the exercise of 
sovereign power. And to complete this state, and 
render it capable to exert its power to answer the 
end of a civil state, these conditions are necessary. 

(1) That a certain time and place be assigned for 
assembling. 

(2) That when the assembly be orderly met, as to 



y 



44 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

time and place, that then the vote of the majority 
must pass for the vote of the whole body. 

(3) That magistrates be appointed to exercise the 
authority of the whole for the better despatch of busi- 
ness of every day's occurrence, who also may, with 
more mature diligence, search into more important 
affairs ; and if in case any thing happens of greater 
consequence, may report it to the assembly, and be 
peculiarly serviceable in putting all public decrees 
into execution, because a large body of people is 
almost useless in respect of the last service, and of 
many others as to the more particular application 
and exercise of power. Therefore it is most agree- 
able with the law of nature, that they institute their 
officers to act in their name and stead. 

2. The second species of regular government is 
an aristocracy, and this is said then to be constituted 
when the people or assembly, united by a first cove- 
nant, and having thereby cast themselves into the 
first rudiments of a state, do then by common decree 
devolve the sovereign power on a council consisting 
of some select members ; and these having accepted 
of the designation, are then properly invested with 
sovereign command, and then an aristocracy is 
formed. 

3. The third species of a regular government is a 
monarchy, which is settled when the sovereign power 
is conferred on some one worthy person. It differs 
from the former, because a monarch, who is but one 
person in natural as well as in moral account, and so 
is furnished with an immediate power of exercising 
sovereign command in all instances of government ; 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 45 

but the foreiiamed must needs have particular time 
and place assigned, but the power and authority is 
equal in each. 

Mixed governments, which are various and of 
divers kinds (not now to be enumerated), yet possibly 
the fairest in the world is that which has a regular 
monarchy, settled upon a noble democracy as its 
basis ; and each part of the government is so adjusted 
by pacts and laws that render the whole constitution 
an elysium. It is said of the British empire, that it 
is such a monarchy as that, by the necessary subor- 
dinate concurrence of the lords and commons in the 
making and repealing all statutes or acts of parlia- 
ment, it hath the main advantages of an aristocracy 
and of a democracy, and yet free from the disadvan- 
tages and evils of either. It is such a monarchy as, 
by most admirable temperament, affords very much 
to the industry, liberty, and happiness of the subject, 
and reserves enough for the majesty and prerogative 
of any king who will own his people as subjects, not 
as slaves. It is a kingdom that, of all the kingdoms 
of the world, is most like to the kingdom of Jesus 
Christ, w^hose yoke is easy and burden light. (Present 
state of England, Part I. pp. 64.) Thus having drawn 
up this brief scheme concerning man, and the nature 
of civil government he is become sole subject of, I 
shall proceed to make improvements of the premises 
to accommodate the main subject under our consid- 
eration. 

II. I shall now make some improvement of the 
foregoing principles of civil knowledge, fairly deduced 
from the law of nature. And I shall peculiarly refer 



46 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

to ecclesiastical affairs, whereby we may in proba- 
bility discover more clearly the kind, and something 
of the nature of that government which Christ has 
placed in and over his church. The learned debates 
of men, and divine writ sometimes seems to cast 
such a grandeur on the church and its officers, as 
though they stood in peerage with civil empire. 
(Rev. 1: 6, 9. 1 Pet. 2:9. 1 Cor. 4: 8. 12: 28. 2 
Cor. 10 : 8.) But all such expressions must needs 
be otherwise interpreted. God is the highest cause 
that acts by council ; and it must needs be altogether 
repugnant, to think he should forecast the state of 
this world by no better a scheme, than to order two 
sovereign powers, in the same grand community, 
which would be like placing two suns in the firma- 
ment, which would be to set the universe into a 
flame. That should such an error happen, one must 
needs be forthwith extinguished, to bring the frame 
of nature into a just temper and keep it out of harm's 
way. But to proceed with my purpose I shall go 
back upon the civil scheme, and inquire after two 
things : first, of rebellion against government in gen- 
eral, and then in special ; whether any of the afore- 
said species of regular government can be predicable 
of the church of God on earth. 

1. In general, concerning rebellion against govern- 
ment for particular subjects to break in upon regular 
communities duly established, is from the premises 
to violate the law of nature, and is a high usurpation 
upon the first grand immunities of mankind. Such 
rebels in states, and usurpers in churches affront the 
world, with a presumption that the best of the broth- 
erhood are a company of fools, and that themselves 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 47 

have fairly monopolized all the reason of human na- 
ture. Yea, they take upon them the boldness to 
assume a prerogative of trampling under foot the 
natural original equality and liberty of their fellows ; 
for to push the proprietors of settlements out of pos- 
session of their old, and impose new schemes upon 
them, is virtually to declare them in a state of vas- 
salage, or that they were born so ; and therefore will 
the usurper be so gracious as to insure them they 
shall not be sold at the next market. They must es- 
teem it a favor, for by this time all the original pre- 
rogatives of man's nature are intentionally a victim, 
smoking to satiate the usurpers' ambition. It is a 
very tart observation on an English monarch, and 
where it may by proportion be applied to a subject 
must needs sink very deep, and serve for evidence 
under this head. It is in the secret history of K. (7. 
2, and K. J. 2, p. 2, says my author, where the con- 
stitution of a nation is such, that the laws of the land 
are the measures both of the sovereign's commands, 
and the obedience of the subjects, whereby it is pro- 
vided ; that as the one are not to invade w^hat by 
concessions and stipulations is granted to the ruler, 
so the other is not to deprive them of their lawful and 
determined rights and liberties ; then the prince who 
strives to subvert the fundamental laws of the society 
is the traitor and the rebel, and not the people, who 
endeavor to preserve and defend their ow^n. It is 
very applicable to particular men in their rebellions 
or usurpations in church or state. 

2. In special I shall now proceed to inquire, 
whether any of the aforesaid species of regular, un- 
mixed governments, can with any good show of rea- 



48 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

son be predicable of the church of Christ on earth. 
If the churches of Christ, as churches, are either the 
object or subject of a sovereign power intrusted in 
the hands of men, then most certainly one of the fore- 
cited schemes of a perfect government will be appli- 
cable to it. 

Before I pursue the inquiry, it may not be im- 
proper to pause, and make some caution here, by 
distinguishing between that which may have some 
resemblance of civil power and the thing itself, and 
so the power of churches is but a faint resemblance 
of civil power ; it comes in reality nothing near to 
the thing itself; for the one is truly coercive, the 
other persuasive ; the one is sovereign power, the 
other is delegated and ministerial. But not to delay, 
I shall proceed with my inquiry, and therein shall 
endeavor to humor the several great claimers of gov- 
ernment in the church of Christ. And, 

(1) I shall begin with a monarchy. It is certain, 
his holiness, either by reasonable pleas, or powerful 
cheats, has assumed an absolute and universal sover- 
eignty ; this fills his cathedral chair, and is adorned 
with a triple crown, and in defence thereof does pro- 
test. The Almighty has made him both key-keeper of 
heaven and hell, with the adjacent territories of pur- 
gatory, and vested in him an absolute sovereignty 
over the Christian world. And his right has so far 
prevailed, that princes and civil monarchs hold their 
crowns and donations as his dutiful sons and loyal 
subjects ; he therefore decks himself with the spoils 
of the divine attributes, styling himself our Lord 
God, optimum^ maximum et supremum numen in 
terris ; a God on earth, a visible deity, and that his 



i 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 49 

power is absolute, and his wisdom infallible. And 
many of the great potentates of the earth have paid 
their fealty, as though it was really so. One of them 
clad in canvas, going barefoot in the depth of winter 
(in obedience to the decree, stinting the penance in 
proportion to the wickedness of princes), has waited 
many days for absolution at his pious gates. Another 
has thrown himself down prostrate a humble penitent 
before him ; he has placed his holy foot on the mon- 
arch's profane neck as crushing a vermin, crawling 
out of the stable of his sovereignty ; and others fre- 
quently kiss his toes with very profound devotion. 
These and such like triumphant signals of his sover- 
eign power does he wear. And indeed, if he is the 
universal monarch of the catholic church, princes 
that are members of it must needs knock under ; for 
that in one world there cannot possibly be two Most 
High's, any more than two Infinites. Thus you see 
the clergy, or gospel ministry of the Christian world 
have so wisely handled business, and managed the 
gospel, that they have fairly (as they avouch) found 
a sovereign power bequeathed in it to the ministry of 
Christ, and rummaging more warily and nicely, at last 
found a spiritual monarch, very completely furnished 
with the keys of all sorts of power hanging at his 
girdle ; and may we not pronounce the wiser they ! 
Seeing the world growing weary of religion, was 
willing to loll itself down to sleep, and leave them in 
sole trust with the whole interest of God's kingdom. 
But the sad inquiry is, v/hether this sort of govern- 
ment has not plainly subverted the design of the gos- 
pel, and the end for which Christ's government was 

4 



50 VINDICATION OE THE GOVERNMENT 

ordained, namely, the moral, spiritual, and eternal 
happiness of men? 

But I have no occasion to pursue this remark with 
tedious demonstrations : it is very plain it is written 
with blood in capital letters, to be read at midnight 
by the flames of Smithfield, and other such like con- 
secrated fires. That the government of this eccle- 
siastical monarch has, instead of sanctifying, abso- 
lutely debauched the world, and subverted all good 
Christianity in it. So that without the least show of 
any vain presumption we may infer, that God and 
wise nature were never propitious to the birth of this 
monster. 

(2) An aristocracy which places the supreme 
power in a select company of choice persons. Here 
I freely acknowledge were the gospel ministry estab- 
lished the subject of this power, namely, to will and 
do, in all church affairs without control, etc., this 
government might do to support the church in its 
most valuable rights, etc. If we could be assured 
they would make the Scripture, and not their private 
will the rule of their personal and ministerial actions ; 
and, indeed, upon these terms any species of govern- 
ment might serve the great design of redemption ; 
but considering how great an interest is embarked, 
and how frail a bottom we trust, though we should 
rely upon the best of men, especially if we remember 
what is in the hearts of good men (namely, much 
ignorance, abundance of small ends, many times 
cloaked with a high pretence in religion ; pride skulk- 
ing and often breeding revenge upon a small affront, 
and blown up by a pretended zeal, yet really and 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 51 

truly by nothing more divine than interest or ill na- 
ture), and also considering how very uncertain we 
are of the real goodness of those we esteem good 
men ; and also how impossible it is to secure the 
entail of it to successors ; and also if we remind how 
Christianity, by the aforesaid principle, has been 
peeled, robbed and spoiled already, it cannot consist 
with the light of nature to venture again upon such 
perils, especially if we can find a safer way home. 

It is very plain (allowing me to speak emblemati- 
cally) the primitive constitution of the churches was 
a democracy, as appears by the foregoing parallel. / 
But after the Christian churches were received into 
the favor of the imperial court, under the dominion 
of Coiistantine the Great, there being many prelim- 
inaries which had furnished the ministers with a dis- 
position thereunto, they quickly deprived the frater- 
nities of their rights in the government of the churches, 
when they were once provided of a plentiful main- 
tenance through the liberality of Constantine, that 
when Christianity was so luxuriantly treated, as by 
his great bounty and noble settlement, it is said there 
was a voice heard from heaven, saying. Now is poi- 
son poured into the church. But the subversion of 
the constitution is a story too Jong now to tell. 
Take, therefore, part of it, out of a late author well 
versed in antiquity, which may give some brief image 
of the whole. 

Non multa secula jus plebis illcesum mansit, neque 
aliter evenire potuit, qidn illud, vel amittatnr^ vel sal- 
tem diminuatur^ etc. (De Ordina ; DifF. Historica, p. 
36, 40, 41.) 



52 VINDICATION OF THE GOVJSRNMENT 

The right of the people did not remain unhurt 
through many ages ; neither could it well be other- 
ways, but that it must be lost, or much diminished. 
Zenaras does confess that heretofore bishops were 
chosen by the suffrage of the people. But many se- 
ditions happening among them, it was decreed that 
every bishop should hereafter be chosen by the au- 
thority of the bishops of every province. The cause 
seemed to be so very specious that nothing could be 
more decent, or more conducive to the safety of the 
commonwealth. 

Yet (says my author) if you do well weigh the 
business, you must needs acknowledge nothing could 
have happened more pernicious or destructive to the 
church of God. For soon after these things came to 
pass, it is very obvious, that tyranny over the con- 
sciences of the faithful, and an intolerable pride 
everywhere grew" rampant among the guides of the 
church. Yet there was one thing still very needful 
to be done, and that was to establish or confirm the 
power which the metropolitans and bishops had ac- 
quired to themselves. Therefore they fell to it tooth 
and nail to drive away the fraternity from all inter- 
est in elections. And alas, poor hearts ! they began 
to sleep with both ears ; that then was scarce any 
enemy left to interrupt, or control the conquerors. 
This was the manner of the clergy till they had made 
themselves the subjects of all power and then acted 
arbitrarily, and did what they pleased in the church 
of God. 

But let the learned, knowing world, consider what 
the issue of all this was, namely, what a wretched 
capacity the drowsiness and cowardice of the people, 



I 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHUECHES. 53 

and the usurpation and ambition of the ministry 
brought the professing world into. If those who 
were truly godly on both sides had in a few ages 
looked down from heaven, and had eyed the follow- 
ing centuries, they might have beheld a world of 
matter for sorrowful impressions ; to think that they 
themselves had occasioned the ruin of millions, by 
their remiss and passive temper in one sort ; and too 
much humoring and nourishing pride, and high con- 
ceits of themselves and others, in the other ; when as 
if they had stood firm to the government as left set- 
tled by the apostles, they had certainly prevented an 
apostasy that has damned and confounded a great 
part of about thirty generations of men, women, and 
children. That for my own part I can upon expe- 
rience, in some measure, truly say (to the history of 
the primitive churches in the loss of their govern- 
ment, and the consequences which followed, when I 
am impelled to repeat it to myself) as one Eneas 
said to Queen Dido, 

" Infandum reglna jubes renovare dolorem 

Quis talia fan do 

Temperet e lacrimis ! " 

So doleful a contemplation is it to think the world 
should be destroyed by those men, who by God were 
ordained to save it ! 

In a word, an aristocracy is a dangerous constitu- 
tion in the church of Christ, as it possesses the pres- 
bytery of all church power. What has been ob- 
served sufficiently evinces it. And not only so but 
from the nature of the constitution, for it has no 
more barrier to it, against the ambition, insults, and 



54 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

arbitrary measures of men, than an absolute mon- 
archy. But to abbreviate, it seems most agreeable 
with the light of nature, that if there be any of the 
regular government settled in the church of God, it 
must needs be, 

(3) A democracy. This is a form of government 
which the light of nature does highly value, and of- 
ten directs to as most agreeable to the just and nat- 
ural prerogatives of human beings. This was of great 
account in the early times of the w^orld. And not 
only so, but upon the experience of several thousand 
years, after the world had been tumbled and tost 
from one species of government to another, at a great 
expense of blood and treasure, many of the wise na- 
tions of the world have sheltered themselves under it 
again, or at least have blended and balanced their 
governments with it. 

It is certainly a great truth, namely, that man's 
original liberty after it is resigned (yet under due re- 
strictions) ought to be cherished in all wise govern- 
ments ; or otherwise a man in making himself^ sub- 
ject, he alters himself from a freeman into a slave, 
w^hich to do is repugnant to the law of nature. Also 
the natural equality of men amongst men must be 
duly favored ; in that government was never estab- 
lished by God or nature, to give one man a preroga- 
tive to insult over another, therefore, in a civil, as well 
as in a natural state of being, a just equahty is to be 
indulged so far as that every man is bound to honor 
every man, which is agreeable both with nature and 
religion, (1 Pet. 2 : 17) ; Honor all men. The end of 
all good government is to cultivate humanity, and 
promote the happiness of all, and the good of every 



i 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 55 

man in all his rights, his life, liberty, estate, honor, 
etc., without injury or abuse done to any. Then 
certainly it cannot easily be thought that a company 
of men, that shall enter into a voluntary compact, to 
hold all power in their own hands, thereby to use 
and improve their united force, wdsdom, riches, and 
strength for the common and particular good of every 
member, as is the nature of a democracy ; I say it 
cannot be that this sort of constitution will so readily 
furnish those in government with an appetite, or dis- 
position to prey upon each other, or embezzle the 
common stock, as some particular persons may be 
apt to do when set off and intrusted with the same 
power. And, moreover, this appears very natural, 
that when the aforesaid government or pov\^er, set- 
tled in all, when they have elected certain capable 
persons to minister in their affairs, and the said min- 
isters remain accountable to the assembly, these offi- 
cers must needs be under the influence of many wdse 
cautions from their own thoughts (as w^ell as under 
confinement by their commission) in their whole ad- 
ministration. And from thence it must needs follow- 
that they will be more apt and inclined to steer right 
for the main point, namely, the peculiar good and 
benefit of the whole, and every particular member 
fairly and sincerely. And why may not these stand 
for very rational pleas in church order? 

For certainly if Christ has settled any form of 
power in his church 'he has done it for his churches' 
safety, and for the benefit of every member. Then 
he must needs be presumed to have made choice of 
that government as should least expose his people to 
hazard, either from the fraud or arbitrary measures 



56 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

of particular men. And it is as plain as daylight, 
there are no species of government like a democracy 
to attain this end. There are but about two steps 
from an aristocracy to a monarchy, and from thence 
but one to a tyranny ; an able standing force, and an 
ill-nature, ipso facto^ turns an absolute monarch into 
a tyrant ; this is obvious among the Roman Caesars, 
and through the world. And all these direful trans- 
mutations are easier in church affairs (from the dif- 
ferent qualities of things) than in civil states. For 
what is it that cunning and learned men cannot 
make the world swallow as an article of their creed, 
if they are once invested with an uncontrollable 
power, and are to be the standing orators to man- 
kind in matters of faith and obedience? Indeed, 
some very wise and learned men are pleased to in- 
veigh and reproach the notion of a democracy in the 
church, which makes the cetu fidelium or community 
of the faithful the first subject of the power of gov- 
ernment. This they say tends to Brownism, and 
abhorred anarchy, and then say they upon such prem- 
ises, it must needs follow that every member of the 
body must be an officer ; and then every one must 
preach and dispense the sacraments, etc. 

Reply, Certainly such gentlemen either design 
to pose and baffle their reader with fallacy, or they 
themselves never took up, or understood the true 
ideas of the several species of government; in that a 
democracy is as regular a form, and as particular as 
any other. For, 

1. An absolute or limited monarch cannot manage 
the power or government devolved upon him,^ with- 
out the great officers of the crown, or a large set of 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 57 

ministers ; though possibly he may with the quicker 
despatch issue out his degrees, yet he must execute 
all by his ministry. And why may not a democracy 
be indulged the same liberty ? And this will prevent 
all anarchy or confusion most apparently. But, 

2. The bitter pill to swallow in this doctrine of a 
democracy in the church, is the terrible power of life 
and death ; or the accountableness of particular 
members to the assembly, and especially those in the 
ministry ; but yet this is agreeable with the nature 
of the constitution, and easily managed without 
anarchy or popular confusion also, which would be 
made very evident, if we should but run the parallel 
in all points between the democracy of the state and 
church. But from the premises, I shall 

III. Infer, that if these churches are not properly 
formed, yet are fairly established in their present or- 
der by the law of nature. And will they be advised, 
I would exhort them to try who will be so bold as to 
dare to disseize them. A monarchy has been tried 
in the church with a witness, but it has absolutely 
failed us. An aristocracy in a deep calm threw the 
democracy overboard, and took not only the helm in 
hand, but seized ship and cargo as their right and 
title ; but after some time brought all to shipwreck, 
and that in a good harbor too. 

A democracy was the noble government which 
beat out in all the bad weather of ten bloody persecu- 
tions under the management of antiquity. And this 
is our constitution, and why cannot we be pleased ? 
This constitution is as agreeable with the light and 
laws of nature as any other whatsoever, as has been 



58 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

fairly laid down and fully evinced, and more accom- 
modated to the concerns of religion than any other. 
Therefore, I shall now conclude my demonstration 
w^ith this brief appeal to the common reason of man- 
kind, namely : 

How can it consist with the honorable terms man 
holds upon here on earth; that the best sort of men 
that we can find in the world, such men as are 
adorned with a double set of ennobling immunities, 
the first from nature, the other from grace ; that these 
men when they enter into charter-party to manage a 
trade for heaven, must ipso facto be clapped under a 
government that is arbitrary and despotic ; yea that 
carries the plain symptoms of a tyranny in it, when 
the light of nature knows of a t|etter species, and fre- 
quently has made use of it? 4 It wants no further 
demonstration, for it is most apparent, that nature 
is so much mistress of herself, that man in a natural 
state of being, is under God the first subject of all 
power, and therefore can make his own choice, and 
by deliberate compacts settles his own conditions for 
the government of himself in a civil state of being. 
And when a government so settled shall throw itself 
from its foundations, or the subjects of sovereign 
power shall subvert or confound the constitution, 
they then degrade themselves ; and so all power re- 
turns again to the people, who are the first owners./ 
And what ! Is man become so unfortunate, degraded, 
and debased, as to be without all power in settling a 
government over himself, relating to the matters of 
his eternal well-being ? Or when he comes back to 
a father's house, must he fall into the capacity of a 
mere passive being, and be put under such tutors, as 



/ 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 59 

can easily turn tyrants over him, and no relief left for 
him in his own hands ; this is certainly most repug- 
nant to the light of nature, and very disagreeable 
with the liberty and free genius of a gospel state. 
Nay, in a word, if the government of the churches be 
settled by God, either in the hands of a church mon- 
arch, or aristocracy, and the people are noways the 
subject of church-power; nay, if they are not under 
Christ, the fountain of power, then the Reformation, 
so called, is but a mere cheat, a schism, and noto- 
rious rebellion ; neither is there room left for the least 
palliation or shadow of excuse, for the reformers in 
renouncing their obedience to their public governors. 
And the ]Martyrologies which pretend to immortalize 
the fame of eminent heroes, must be changed into 
chronicles, handling along an account of the just and 
deserved fate of a crew of rebels against God and 
government; for what business had such a company 
of illiterate and crack-brained fellows to meddle with 
their rulers, or examine into their administrations? 
For if they have no right of power in government, 
they stand absolutely bound to yield a passive obe- 
dience and non-resistance ; and if they are so hardy 
and daring as to oppose their lawful rulers, the sharp- 
est penalty in this world, is too easy for them ; the 
inquisition is but dallying and playing with them, 
hell is their desert. But how it comes about that a 
state of grace, when in want of a suitable govern- 
ment, is become such a vassal, and wise and cunning 
nature is by her Creator intrusted, and adorned with 
more ennobling prerogatives, I must leave, and resign 
unto those learned men to solve, who plead for an 
aristocracy in the churches of Christ. 



60 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

But to wind up the whole discourse in a few 
words, I acknowledge many objections may be here 
made, and several questions of moment might here 
fall under debate ; but having obtained what I have 
principally sought for, in traversing the paths of na- 
ture, in the three following particulars ; therefore 
with them, and with one objection answered ; and 
also with some brief improvement of the grand hy- 
pothesis in this demonstration, I shall finish the argu- 
ment. 

1. Three particulars ; or so many golden maxims, 
securing the honor of congregational churches. 

Particular 1. That the people or fraternity under 
the gospel, are the first subject of power; or else re- 
ligion sinks the dignity of human nature into a baser 
capacity with relation to ecclesiastical, than it is in, 
in a natural state of being with relation to civil gov- 
ernment. 

Particular 2. That a democracy in church or state, 
is a very honorable and regular government accord- 
ing to the dictates of right reason. And, therefore. 

Particular 3. That these churches of New Eng- 
land, in their ancient constitution of church order, 
it being a democracy, are manifestly justified and 
defended by the law and light of nature. 

2. The objection. The plea from the law of nature 
for a democracy in the church, is as forcible for any 
other species of government ; because nature is fur- 
nished with such a variety of schemes as has been 
pleaded to. And why may not the wise Christian 
nations take which likes them best? 

Answer. We must distinguish between man left 
solely to the direction of the law of nature, and as 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 61 

the subject of revelation, wherein divine wisdom may 
interpose ; and determine on some particular species, 
without hurting or crossing the law of nature. 
Therefore, 

(1) I readily grant and acknow^ledge, a Christian 
people may settle what species of government they 
please, when they are solely left to determine by the 
law of nature, what government in the church they 
will have. Bat then we must remember, that by the 
argument or concession, the power is originally in 
the people ; and then our own case is secure and safe 
enough ; both on the account of the reversion of 
power, and especially, for that the people the first 
subjects of power, have been pleased to settle a de- 
mocracy for their government, in the churches of this 
country. And if after the peaceable possession of 
about an hundred years, any persons can persuade 
them to alter their government into any other species, 
this will be less worthy of blame, than craftily, or un- 
fairly to force it out of their hands. 

(2) It is granted, that according to the light of 
nature there be various regular models of government, 
but if divine wisdom is pleased to interpose and 
overrule nature's agitations, and cast the scales for 
this or that particular form, nature will be but fair- 
mannered to submit to its author and rector; so that 
if we find that God has disclosed his mind by reve- 
lation that his churches be the subjects of a democ- 
racy, then all stand obliged to comply under a 
double bond. And so we come under a proper crisis 
to inquire in the next place for Scripture evidence in 
the justification of these churches. 

But before I proceed to it, I shall 



62 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

3. Make some brief improvement of the main 
hypothesis in the demonstration — that is to say, if 
the government of the gospel churches be a democ- 
racy, these consequences must necessarily follow, 
namely : 

1st Consequence, That the right of convoking 
councils ecclesiastical is in the churches. 

2d Cons, That such a council has only consulta- 
tive, not a juridical power in it. A juridical power 
committed to such a representative body is both 
needless and also dangerous to the distinct and per- 
fect states they derive from. Complete states settled 
upon a body of immutable and imperial laws as its 
basis, may want council ; but to create a new subject 
of juridical power, is some way to endanger the 
being of the creators. 

3d Cons, That all the members of an ecclesiasti- 
cal council, deriving from a democracy, are subjects 
of equal power. , Whatever the power is, the several 
delegates must, from the nature of the government 
they derive from, be equal sharers in it. Democrati- 
cal states, in their representative body, can make but 
one house, because they have but one subject of 
supreme power in their nature, and therefore their 
delegates, let them be who or what they may be, are 
under equal trust — so that none can justly claim 
superiority over their fellows, or pretend to a higher 
power in their suffrage. Indeed in such kingdoms, 
where the sovereign power is distributed and settled 
in divers subjects, that the balance of power may be 
more even, for the safety of the whole, and of all 
parts under all acts of sovereign power. From such 
a settlement of power, there arises several distinct 



OF THE XEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 63 

states in the same government,which when convened 
as one subject of sovereign power, they make differ- 
ent houses in their grand sessions ; and so one house 
or state can negative another. But in every distinct 
house of these states, the members are equal in their 
vote: the most ayes make the affirmative vote, and 
most noes the negative. They do not weigh the 
intellectual furniture, or other distinguishing qualifi- 
cations of the several voters, in the scales of the 
golden rule of fellowship ; they only add up the ayes 
and the noes, and so determine the suffrage of the 
house. 



64 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 



DEMONSTRATION III. 



FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE. 



This plea has, with such variety of argument and 
illustration, and by many repetitions, been pursued 
by a great number of persons eminent for learning 
and piety, that I might here very fairly release myself 
from this task. But yet, to complete the number of 
my arguments, I Vv^ill briefly sum up the demonstra- 
tion for the reader's use under a few heads. 

I. It must needs be allowed, as a fundamental 
principle relating to government, that (under God) 
all power is originally in the people. No man, 
I think, will deny it to be a very sound principle in 
civil knowledge. But if any man will, I imagine it 
is sufficiently set forth in the former demonstration. 
And it is very plain that religion does always culti- 
vate and increase, rather than diminish, any of 
nature's just prerogatives ; that it must needs stand 
for a paradox, or a riddle not to be expounded, if man 
is more of a slave by his religion than by his nature. 
But let us take a brief view of man by Scripture 
account under a religious notion, as the subject of 
grace, and he seems then not to have the least speck 
of vassalage in him, but is represented as though lord 
of himself, and owner of heaven and earth both, 1. 
Cor. 3: 22 — all are yours. 

And though it is very certain that man has greatly 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 65 

debased himself by his apostasy, yet still God puts 
abundance of honor upon him in his reduction. As 
we may consider man in a remark or two, under the 
measures of divine grace in restoring him to favor. 
First, God treats him as a creature of a very honor- 
able character, as free and at his own disposal, or as 
though he were some high and mighty state placed 
at the top of this globe ; therefore he courts him into 
an alliance as though he were likely to yield great 
honor to the crown. "We are ambassadors — as 
though God did beseech you by us ; we pray you in 
Christ's stead be ye reconciled to God," — 2 Cor. 5: 
20. This is much the tenor of God's heralds in their 
addresses of capitulation. That certainly if God did 
not highly estimate man as a creature exalted by his 
reason, liberty, and nobleness of nature, he would not 
caress him as he does in order to his submission, but 
rather with some peevish and haughty monarch, or 
the bloody Mahomet, send his demands at the mouth 
of his cannon. But instead of such harsh measures, 
they are treated with the highest reason, attended 
with lenity and great acts of condescension. Nay, 
divine menaces are frequently clothed with such soft 
language as this: "Turn ye, turn ye! why will ye 
die I" Yea, under all impulsive means w^hich God 
wisely and graciously makes use of to gain man's 
consent, he sets the will to turn about itself without 
forcing it, that so man's religion may be the free and 
candid emanations of his noble and exalted nature. 
But when God has thus gained man, may we ration- 
ally imagine that in erecting his trophies, he will 
assign and make him over to some petty and arbi- 
trary potentates in matters of religion ? or settle him 

5 



66 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

under a despotic government as though he were the 
spoils of a spiteful war? No, certainly; but man 
must now be considered as some high ally invested 
with more power than ever. This would still be 
more evident if we should consider what Christ has 
done, and how they stand joint heirs with him in his 
purchase and kingdom. (Rom. 8 : 1, 16, 17.) 

II. The power placed in man that enables him 
to manage religious affairs is not sovereign, but 
limited and confined power. (1) All laws are enacted 
already, and (2) there is no coercive power needful 
in the church. The highest act in administering 
\ judicature is excluding a person out of the society. 
In the church there are no fees or fines, etc. In civil 
empire, to keep mankind in any good decorum, there 
is much hard work to be done, in peace and war ; 
under mesne process, and in criminal causes. There 
I is forming of armies, raising the posse comitatus^ 
\ building of castles, etc. ; cropping of ears, chopping 
off heads, and what not ! — so that civil government 
i has need of an immense power as well as treasure, 
L— and to be clothed with brass and iron. But as for 
the church of God, faith, prayers and tears are gen- 
erally their best weapons against the hostility of 
foreigners ; and in the government of their home- 
born, it may be done by soft words or hard words. (1 
Thess. 5: 12. Heb. 3: 13-10: 24, 25.) So that the 
business does not require abundance of external 
force, or form of government. That it is a thousand 
pities to make such a great noise and bustle in the 
world about church power, as though the subjects of 
it were to furnish armies and navies to encounter 
half the potentates on earth in defence of the church. 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 67 

When, alas ! good men, as to all occasion for power, 
it is quite another thing, and the exercise of it gen- 
erally falls within reach of an ordinary reason. That 
certainly whatever the right of the brotherhood is as 
to the original of power, there cannot be abundance 
of bad omens in allowing them some share in church 
judicatory. 

III. Power — this word seems to be all thun- 
der; but, however, it is very copious, and may be 
applied to God and his creatures. It is predicable 
of the latter, in their different classes and orders of 
being, and none so weak but have some share of it. 
But to confine the word to polity, etc. It is by some 
thus defined, namely : 

Power or authority — is that whereby a man may 
claim, or challenge any thing to oneself, without the 
injury of another, upon a supposition, this is a true 
definition. 

Query. Whether Christian people may not claim 
or challenge the following rights or prerogatives with- 
out doing injury to any, namely : 

1. Whether, if they are pleased (a suitable number 
of them) to enter into a religious society, by punctual 
and voluntary compacts to support the worship of 
God in the world ; whether this may not be done 
without injuring any? and then, 

2. When so united, whether they may not choose 
their own officers. 

3. Discipline their own members. 

4. Represent themselves upon proper emergencies, 
by their delegates (all which are the principal pillars 
of a democracy) ; whether, I say, they cannot do all 
these without injury done to any others ? But to 



68 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

proceed a little further in opening the nature of 
power. If we unite dunamis and exousia, namely, 
strength of nature and authority of institution into 
one proposition, then political power may be thus 
defined, namely : 

Power is an ability, furnished with a lawful right 
to act. Now, upon a presumption of the validity of 
this proposition, power may be easily apprehended 
as vested in every church, and in every member and 
officer of a church, according to the nature, degree, 
and duty of each subject of power, and may act and 
exert their several powers and authorities without any 
incongruity, or interfering one with another. 

IV. That a gospel church essentially consid- 
ered as a body incorporated, is the subject of all 
church power. Though a church thus considered 
cannot formally exercise all branches of power be- 
longing to it, neither can the subject of sovereign 
power itself exert all acts of power till fitted with 
proper organs or a suitable ministry, and yet it can- 
not be denied but that all power really, and all acts 
of power virtually, must needs be in it. And so in a 
church. 

Therefore as to church power in the exercise of it, 
it may be distributed into what belongs (1) to the 
combination of many, namely, the power of judg- 
ment and donation. Or, (2) to what belongs to one 
or more set off for that end, namely, the power of 
office. This distribution, Mr. Hooker pursues with 
great illustration. (Surv. p. 1, p. 187.) Here I shall 
confine myself to the consideration of the exercise of 
that power which belongs to the brotherhood in dis- 
tinction to office power ; which principle I shall pur- 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 69 

sue by evincing the truths of the following proposi- 
tion, namely : 

That the Scripture does warrant a governnient in 
gospel churches, consisting of the exercise of several 
distinct powers inherent in the fraternity, in distinc- 
tion to office trust. This may be evinced, 

I. By the recitation of the several distinct powers 
themselves. 

II. By the dignity which the Scriptures put upon 
the churches as free states, and subjects of power in 
distinction from their officers. 

I. By the recitation of the several distinct powers, 
both preparatory to, and resulting from their combi- 
nation. 

1. There is a preparatory power in them both as 
rational and sanctified beings of forming themselves 
into churches. This affirmation seems to me as 
fully contained in the genuine sense of Scripture, as 
though written in some divine manifesto, in such 
terms as these, namely : Let this be proclaimed 
through all the earth, that I, the Lord Jesus Christ, 
have invested all holy and good Christian people, 
both by nature and grace, with power to enter into 
church order, for the advance of my name and their 
own edification. If we had such an article in Scrip- 
ture written in terms, we should have made great 
use of it in justifying our constitution ; for it plainly 
settles all power originally (under Christ) in the 
people. And then if such a power or faculty be in 
them w^hen in separate parts, as to assemble and 
enter into solemn engagements, and thereby to enter 
into a church state, it necessarily follows that having 



70 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

embodied, they may easily go forward and provide 
for their own well-being. He that hath read the 
gospel and observed how many churches are men- 
tioned, without notice taken of the manner of their 
origination, must needs allow the observation to be a 
fair consequence from it ; it being so agreeable with 
the light of nature. 

2. The powers resulting from their combination 
may be more distinctly recited. 

(1) Power. The election of officers. Officers are 
for the well-being, and completing of any state. 
There is no regular government that can well subsist 
without them ; these are the hands, the eyes, and feet 
of government in administration. To separate qual- 
ified persons to the highest office trust in a state, is 
by civilians attributed to the creating power of sover- 
eignty. So that it must needs be a great power be- 
longing to the church under this head, and that it is 
the churches' prerogative I might reason, ex jure 
snperioritatis. For that the church is superior to its 
officers, and not the officers to the church. For that 
churches are not made for officers, but officers for 
churches ; therefore, says the apostle, 1 Cor. 3 : 22, 
" All things are yours — whether Paul, or ApoUos, or 
Cephas." But I shall principally depend upon the 
example and practice of the apostolical church under 
this head. It is a celebrated saying of Cyprian in 
pressing Acts 1 : 26, to confirm the power of the 
people in choosing and refusing their officers. Plebs 
Christiana maxime potestatem habetj vel dignos sac- 
er dotes eligendi^ vel indignos recusandi. The high- 
est power of electing worthy officers and rejecting 
unworthy is in the people. For the whole church. 



OF THE NKW EXGLAXD CHLTICHES. 71 

says Turretinus [cle Jure Fo.), duos eligit^ chooses 
two to undergo the lot for the apostleship, that they 
might supply the vacancy by the death of Judas, 
Acts 1 : 23, 26. And, indeed, it is contrary to all 
civility and reason to imagine the apostles would be 
so trivial in their ministry, or prodigal of their own 
authority as to indulge the fraternity in such actions, 
namely, such as electing an extraordinary officer, if 
the election of officers did not belong to them. So 
in the choice of the deacons mentioned. Acts 6 : 2, 
3, 5, the twelve called the multitude of the disciples 
unto them and said — Brethren look you out seven 
men, whom we may appoint over this business. 
The saying pleased the whole multitude, and they 
chose Stephen, etc. It must needs be very surpris- 
ing, if the apostles should thus dignify and intrust 
the brethren with a prerogative of electing these offi- 
cers, if the power of election was not inherent in 
them, that unless any one can fairly make it out that 
the apostles were either in jest or did they know not 
what, in directing the brethren to do as they did in 
the recited examples, it must needs stand for a truth 
that the power of electing officers is in the fraternity 
of the church, by the judgment of Christ's apostles. 

(2) Power judicatory. (Mat. 18 : 15, 20.) This 
paragi-aph of Holy Writ lays open a scheme of juridi- 
cal power in the subject of it, that is the church ; and 
this is to be observed, that from the first commence- 
ment of the process to the final issue in the execution 
of the obstinate and criminal member, all is to be 
ascribed to the authority of the church ; for what 
business has one man to interrupt another in his 
crimes and unlawful pleasures, unless he has power 



72 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

SO to do ? And how comes one man to have power 
over another, unless conquest, hostility, or compacts 
have made them liable, as members of the same 
community or subjects of the same government ? 
Therefore the offended person, proceeding regularly 
for detecting a delinquent, must needs be supposed 
to derive his power from the same fountain, namely, 
the sessions where the case is finally to issue by exe- 
cution, and the subject of this power is the church. 
Tell the church. 

But, moreover, let it be considered, that to speak 
by way of allusion, there be several removes of the 
action of trespass from one hearing to another, as 
though it go from an inferior to a superior sessions, 
and that Christ was here, in this precept, settling in- 
ferior and superior assizes in his kingdom. And in- 
deed there cannot be a wiser scheme drawn up, that 
shall carry the aspect of more grace, love, humility, 
tender regard to honor, and also justice than this, both 
for the encouragement of religion, the awing of spec- 
tators, and keeping the church pure. But to proceed, 

1. In making out process, the first trial is to be 
had at the assizes of a man's own intellectual powers, 
reason, conscience, etc. being assembled, are to sit in 
judgment, hear the pleas, and the indictment being 
read and justified must pass sentence, and at this bar 
the case may be fairly issued. If he shall hear thee 
thou hast gained thy brother. So that most cer- 
tainly the plaintiff' has a right to enter his case at this 
sessions, and here we see it may be issued ; then 
certainly this is a branch of the power of judicature, 
otherwise an aggrieved person might expect a very 
severe repulse from a sturdier offender, for interrupt- 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 73 

ing a man's repose of mind in his own actions. 
What saucy clown is that ? Who dare challenge my 
conscience with the cognizance of any crime ? Bold- 
face ! Where is your commission ? Who made thee 
a ruler? (Acts 7 : 27.) In civil affairs particular men 
when injured, must not make bold to correct an or- 
dinary trespass upon their persons or interests, but 
by forms of law ; if they do, especially if by measures 
w^hich are grievous, they may be indicted themselves 
for disturbers of the peace. That certainly this 
branch of the text refers to a legal bar and lawful 
power, so that the complaining party may commence 
his suit with boldness, produce his pleas and demand 
justice. But the critical question is. Who is judge 
of this court? Certainly it is some layman's powers, 
supposed to be very competent judges, as sufficiently 
skilled in the rules of court, and how to apply them. 
And why may not all the judges contained in the 
whole series of judicatory laid open in this text be of 
the same sort ? For that the case is not so deep, but 
that the first judges and sessions it comes before are 
supposed by our wise Saviour and lawgiver, capable 
fully to understand and traverse it, and do judgment 
and justice upon it, and bring it to a final issue. 
But, 

2. Upon a defeat the process goes forward by re- 
moving the suit by an appeal to a more impartial 
hearing. The next sessions therefore by review, is 
to consist of one or two of the brethren. (Take one 
or two more.) But possibly some may be ready to 
say. Ah ! We are like to have very good justice be- 
fore so wise a sessions ! Well, it is what Christ has 
appointed, and let us keep his path and it will bring 



74 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

US safe home ; for that these persons are commission- 
ated by Christ, as capable judges, and therefore are 
to exercise one branch of the power fixed in the 
church. But when the case is gone thus far through 
the law, and the adverse party will not submit to the 
last verdict that is brought in, the case must be re- 
moved again. For that. 

It is allowed to have one trial more, and no more, 
and that is to be before the church. For if he hear 
not the church, he shall be as an heathen man, etc., 
that is to say, the church shall then issue out execu- 
tion, which is the end of the law. 

Object, But the great and stupendous objection 
which crosses our way, is, that the governing church 
is here meant ; that is to say, the presbytery in their 
classes and several sessions, till you come to the last 
appeal. 

Answ. 1. It is very unscriptural to force such an 
interpretation on the text ; for if we consider the 
etymology and universal acceptation of the w^ord 
church, the objection will be found very defective, 
both in its rhetoric and divinity ; there being no har- 
bor for it within the sense of Farnaby's tropes or 
figures. And as for its divinity, let the objection but 
cite one text more wherein church is mentioned and 
officers are intended, and we will resign. But with- 
out it to yield so great an interest upon so slender a 
claim is repugnant to justice and honor. But, 

2. How can wise men manage their souls, or bring 
them into such a figure as to think that Christ should 
have such a far reach in his thoughts in such easy 
cases as are plainly contained in the text ? The no- 
tions in the objections are plainly ridiculous to the 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCnES. 75 

light of nature, in that civil measures adjust accord- 
ing to the degree and nature of suits and cases. A 
cause of twelve pence is triable by a single justice, 
and one appeal brings the suit to the end of the law. 
Indeed cases which are of greater weight and value, 
have a larger scope in the law allowed them, etc. 
And what ! Is there the least shadow for a pretence 
that such cases as are wdthin our text, namely, such 
as may be issued by one single brother making his 
suit to his brother's reason and conscience, etc., or by 
two at the most, and that at the sole charge of a few 
honest pleas from the heads of charity or piety ? I 
say, are these cases so grand as to be transmitted 
from one class to another, till they arrive at the 
chief seat where the definitive sentence is to be given 
forth ? There is apparently some great fallacy in the 
objection, or certainly our blessed Saviour did not 
state his cases right ; for let us again consider, who 
must sign the bill of cost at last ? Or who must bear 
all the charges of writings, witnesses, travels of 
horses and men ; and for all expense of time and 
money, from the sessions first mentioned, and so 
from sessions to sessions, and from class to class, 
until all is brought to a final issue ? When as possi- 
bly the original writ of process, or first action, might 
not contain in real civil damage, a farthing more 
than about a groat or sixpence. And w^hat, can we 
think that our wise Saviour would adjust his settle- 
ments at no better a rate than this comes to ? Vah ! 
proh dolor I Men have plainly made a fool of man- 
kind by corrupting this text, whereby they have set 
the discipline of the church at such a charge, that 
millions of millions have run out in waste to humor 



76 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

their ambition ; when as the wise and innocent 
churches of God in their single capacities would 
have done better justice, and have drained nothing 
more from you than some tears of contrition. For, 

3. What is more natural than to imagine a church 
of believers, with their set of graces and common 
prudence (especially when under the influence of a 
regular ministry), should be held capable to execute 
this rule, according to the full sense of it; yea, 
though they bring the delinquent in the traverse of 
the case to the highest censure. Indeed, it must 
be acknowledged, that excommunication, major or 
minor, is an awful result of authority ; yet not really 
in every respect and in all degrees quite so bitter as 
death itself. And yet death is very frequently dis- 
pensed to capital sinners, and that solely by the ver- 
dict of their peers, namely, twenty-four good and 
lawful men of the vicinage, are in forms of law a 
sufficient judicatory to take away a man's life, and 
the venerable bench of judges must not overrule, but 
stand and say amen, in that good justice is done in 
the w^orld by such a small company of illiterate men, 
the law having assigned them to this service. To 
the foregoing precept let us join. Col. 4 : 17. 1 Cor. 
5 : 12. Rev. 2 : 2, 20. 1 Thes. 5 : 41. Gal. 6 : 1. 

Now to conclude, let the reader lay all these Scrip- 
tures together, which contain rules of judicatory for 
the churches, and then let him answer me with good 
reason if he can, and tell me why these Scriptures 
may not be esteemed the churches' magna charta in 
matters of censure and judicature, as well as that be 
held such a golden rule in the judicial proceedings of 
English government, mentioned in the great charter 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 77 

of English liberties, chap. 29. No freeman shall be 
taken, or imprisoned, or be disseised of his freehold, 
liberty, or free customs, or be outlawed or exiled, or 
any other ways destroyed, nor will we press upon 
him, nor condemn him, but by lawful judgment of 
his peers. Now gentlemen ! Do not you think that 
the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of heaven, is as 
careful and tender of his subjects as the king of Eng- 
land is of his ? And, indeed, why should not each set 
of subjects be equally and alike guarded from the 
hazard of oppression, or the arbitrary measures of 
each ministry ? Unless those that belong to the 
gospel are formed out of a distinct clay from each 
other ? 

(3) Power. To represent themselves in synodical 
conventions, for the establishment of this power in 
the churches, see Acts 15 : 2, 22, 23; and for a more 
ample display and conformation of this point, I refer 
the reader to the excellent treatise of Dr. Increase 
Mather, in his disquisition concerning ecclesiastical 
councils. 

II. The dignity which the Scriptures put under 
the churches as free states, and subjects of power in 
distinction from their officers. 

It is very plain that most of the epistles of St. Paul 
which make up a great part of the canon of Scrip- 
ture, were directed to the body of the brotherhood, 
and peculiarly adapted for their use, with little or 
no notice at all taken of the ministry therein. 

In sum, when he was just concluding his letter 
and winding up his discourse with his grace and re- 
spects to some choice Christian friends, he puts the 
officers in with them, and orders the brotherhood to 



78 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

give his salutations to them as persons unconcerned 
with the contents of the epistle, Heb. 13 : 24. In 
the last verse but one in the whole epistle, says the 
apostle, Salute all them that have the rule over. 
That whatever other meanings may be in such meth- 
ods of divine writings, they must needs respect some 
high powers and trust vested in the churches. Those 
epistles sent to the angels of the churches of Asia ; 
the principal share of those letters literally taken, 
which belonged to the officers, is but the superscrip- 
tion ; the contents of the letters are immediately di- 
rected to the fraternity. Where there is any thing 
amiss the fraternity is reprehgnded ; where there is any 
thing worthy of credit, they are commended. Or if 
there is any thing in point of order or discipline to be 
done, they are directed and commanded. All is to the 
churches. Therefore it is said again and again, He 
that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit 
saith unto the churches, etc., Rev. 1 : 7. Finally, 
Let any considerate man but read and well ponder 
the epistles to the Corinthian, Ephesian, etc. churches, 
and observe the characters of the brotherhood ; with 
the precepts how they shall act personally and with 
authority one towards another, etc., he must then 
needs subject his mind to the force of this conclusion, 
namely, that Christ's gospel churches in their frater- 
nities, are not such ciphers as they stand in some 
men's accounts ; but are really and truly proper bodies 
full of powers and authorities, for the government of 
themselves and all their concerns, as all democracies 
are. 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 79 



DEMONSTRATION lY. 



From the excellent nature of the constitution, in 
that it exceeds all that have been yet extant in the 
Christian world. This I shall endeavor to illustrate 
by three pleas. 

Plea I. In that it best suits the great and noble 
designs of the gospel, and that in a peculiar manner 
as it tends to the promoting holiness in the world ; 
not only from the strict nature of the constitution in 
the admission of members, whence the churches be- 
come a more exact emblem of heaven, both for the 
illuminating and dreading of others, that beholding 
their goodness, may glorify God in the day of visita- 
tion. (1 Pet. 2: 12.) But from the great advantage 
put into the hands of the best sort of men (solid, 
pious, wise, and unbiased men), of furnishing a coun- 
try with persons eminently qualified for the ministry, 
and keeping them so. There is no lurking-place for 
Symony in this constitution. There is no buying 
and selling of offices, whereby the world has been 
miserably cheated and debauched. Here is no back 
stairs for cousins and favorites to climb up to high 
seats without desert ; it is merit and intrinsic worth 
set the value, and hold the strongest plea for prefer- 
ment here. Hence every village and corner of a 
town, where religious congregations are settled, are 
furnished with persons for the gospel ministry of such 



80 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

learning, and bright saints, and of such real and dis- 
tinguishing virtue and zeal, that they must needs be 
very prevalent in carrying on the main design, etc. 
But this plea is fully pursued by Dr. Owen, in his 
Enquiry, etc. (p. 120 and so on), whither I refer the 
reader that wants more satisfaction. 

Plea II. For that it has the best balance belonging 
to it of any church-government in the world. Other 
governments have generally too high a top, and are 
very lopsided too; nay the best we can meet with 
without vanity or envy, it may be said, that not only 
seemingly like Grantham steeple, but really it stands 
awry, and being so overloaded on nature's corrupt 
side, with learning, power, and high trust, it plainly 
hangs over several degrees from a true perpendicular, 
towards Babylon. And if it falls it buries you ; and 
then you must remember it has monopolized all 
power, so that you have none left to stir under your 
load, or creep out with. But here is a government 
so exactly poised, that it keeps its motions regular 
like the stupendous spheres, unless some Phaeton 
chance to mount the chariot box, and becomes the 
driver. I have sufficiently, I think, evinced the poVer 
in the brotherhood ; and though every church is a 
body consisting of very numerous parts and a noble 
ministry, yet the balance of power is very exactly and 
with great advantage preserved ; both between the 
members of the body in general, and between them- 
selves, and their public ministry in special. 

1. Between the members of the body. For besides, 
the wisdom, love, and other ennobling principles, in 
some measure actuating every member. The vener- 
able major vote, which guides and governs the august 



i 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 81 

states of parliaments ; nay all assemblies, superior 
and inferior, that have any equality of power dis- 
persed amongst the members, ordinarily keeps the 
whole body, in all points of administration, in an 
exact equipoise. 

2. And as for the state of the ministry, there is no 
grain of allowance wanted on their side, to make 
their office power, if not an evcR balance arithmeti- 
cally upon an accurate and distressing trial ; yet in 
the series of a laudable ministration, it is an equivalent 
of power ; at least according to the terms of our con- 
stitution. (Platf. c. 10, sect, 11.) But let the case be 
stated as accurately as may be, and let every fair 
principle which grants the power to be originally in 
the people, be yielded ; and also establish a proper 
judicature in the brotherhood ; yet it is apparent in 
all examples, that the ministry of this constitution 
are held, if not in proper speaking, yet in conscience 
and religious courtesy, as though all power were in- 
vested in them ; or at least to such a degree that 
there is no appearance of what may render the gov- 
ernment grievous to them, if they are but contented 
to be the masters of an assembly of free men, and 
not of slaves. Amongst abundance of illustrations I 
will mention two. 

(1) The great veneration in man's mind towards 
those who are sensibly clothed with authority. If I 
am a father where is my honor, if a master w^here is 
my fear, Matt. 1 : 6. The prophet reasons from the 
law of nature ; there being such a property planted 
in the soul by its Maker to revere superiors, and es- 
pecially men in public trust. And also the authority 
shining in them, being such bright rays both of the 

6 



82 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

divine majesty and benignity, there beiwg such a sen- 
sible good and benefit accruing thereby, to the rest 
of mankind, hence springs a universal disposition to 
obedience and submission, this is obvious through 
the whole civil ministry of the world ; there is no 
need to make every judge in commission, or chief 
magistrate, a sovereign prince to gain homage to him. 
No, but as soon a^ a man appears vested with au- 
thority, there is that in the soul of another which 
teaches reverence and obedience to him in his trust, 
both from the suggestions of fear and sense of inter- 
est. So that a learned, painful, and pious ministry 
intrusted with the souls and happiness of men ; and 
taking indefatigable care to secure eternal life for 
them, has a most charming and endearing aspect and 
influence upon all the rational powers. Insomuch 
that nature itself has a high value for such subjects 
of trust. And as for grace, it is ready to be lavish of 
its victims. . . . Ye . . . received me as an angel of 
God even as Christ Jesus. ... If it had been possible 
ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have 
given them to me. Gal. 4 : 14, 15. If any man 
doubts of the validity of this plea, let him but view 
what conquests have been made by the abuse of 
these principles, and you will find the ministry of the 
Christian world have far exceeded Caesar in subdu- 
ing mankind; for from an honest obedience they 
have brought them to lie down, and be trampled on 
by their spiritual owners. That there is no danger 
on the people's side when things are well stated, if 
there be but a wise and due management on the 
other. And still it is more evident, 

(2) From the extent of commission, with the 



4 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 83 

many ennobling prerogatives fixed in their trust. 
Though they are the ministry, and but the ministry 
of a democracy, their commission is so large, and 
high prerogatives so numerous, they carry so great an 
appearance, as though in reality they were the sub- 
jects of all power. And I think it is so from the na- 
ture and modes of all regular government ; for when 
a government has enacted their laws and precepts, 
and settled their ministry, they leave the sway of 
things to them ; that it is as though they had resigned 
all the power to the ministry. So it is peculiarly in 
the affairs of gospel churches. That let men at their 
leisure view this illustration by the Scripture, our 
platform, and by the laws and customs of nations, 
and they will find it a truth. That certainly a pain- 
ful ministry may easily be reconciled to our consti- 
tution, unless they are raised to that temper of mind 
as he was, who had this for his motto, Aut Ccesar aut 
nihil, — a Caesar or nothing. 

Plea III. From the near affinity our constitution 
holds with the civil governments of some of the most 
flourishing commonwealths in the world. It is certain 
every species of government, simple and mixed, have 
their various excellences and defects ; much may be 
said in honor of each, and also every constitution 
may have something wanting; at least it may seem 
so, under a more critical survey of its nature, princi- 
ples, ill-conveniences, corrupt mhiistry, misfortunes, 
etc. And many times a government falls under 
scandal from distemper of mind, from false ends and 
corrupt interests, which sway and overrule men's 
thoughts relating to government more than from the 
constitution itself. But, however, to evade all circu- 



84 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

lar discourses, we may very fairly infer, where we 
find nations flourishing, and their liberty and property 
with the rest of the great immunities of man's nature 
nourished, secured, and best guarded from tyranny, 
we may venture to pronounce this people to be the 
subjects of a noble government, and there be many 
such on earth whose constitution will serve to justify 
ours. I shall instance in three, and no more. 

1, The Venetian commonwealth ; though some 
are pleased to call the government of this free state 
an aristocracy, but it seems more properly a limited 
democracy, for that the seat of sovereign power is 
their ancient commons, called their families, enrolled 
in the golden book ; these make up the grand council 
of the nations, settle the public ministry, and enact 
laws, etc. This people have by this mode of govern- 
ment raised themselves into so august and flourishing 
a capacity, that from a very obscure original they are 
grown to that degree as to bridle and curb the pride 
and haughtiness of Turk and Pope. This example 
must needs be no small honor to our constitution. 
But, 

2. The Belgic provinces are without interruption 
allowed to be the subjects of a formed democracy, 
they in some ages past being insulted and unmerci- 
fully trampled upon by that august tyrant, the Span- 
ish monarch; they, being his subjects, broke loose 
from him and set up for themselves. They assumed 
to themselves their original power, and when they 
had got it into their hands, had the wit and kept it, 
and have improved it in the form of a democracy to 
this day, and God has blessed them ; that from the 
poor states of Holland, they are now grown to wear 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHUECHES. 85 

the splendid title of " their high mightinesses," and 
are a match for most monarchs on earth. Says Gor- 
don of their government : " The seven provinces of 
Holland, being under a democratical government, 
are, as it were, several commonwealths, each province 
being a distinct state ; yea, and every city having an 
independent power within itself to judge of all 
causes, whether civil or criminal, and to inflict even 
capital punishment; but all joining together, make 
one republic, the most considerable in the world." 

Query, Whether such examples of popular govern- 
ments now extant on earth, and yielding such vast 
advantages to the subjects, and being so regular and 
practicable, — I say, whether they may not justly 
deter all men from reproaching our constitution with 
the scandalous title of anarchy, unless they will allow 
us to prepare a chronicle for them, and therein pub- 
lish to the world their profound ignorance of the 
several species of government, and the distinct way 
of placing and exercising various powers in them. 

3. The English. This nation is reputed to be the 
subjects of the finest and most incomparable govern- 
ment in the world. And this original happy form of 
government is (says one) truly and properly called an 
Englishman's liberty : a privilege to be freed in per- 
son and estate from arbitrary violence and oppres- 
sion, and a greater inheritance than we derive from 
our parents. And this birthright of Englishmen 
shines most conspicuously in two things. 

(1) In parliaments, wherein the subject has, by 
his representatives, a share in legislative power, and 
so makes his own laws, and disposes of his own 
monev. 



86 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

(2) In juries, whereby he has a share in the execu- 
tive part of law, so that no causes are tried, nor any 
man adjudged to lose his life, member, or estate, but 
upon the verdict of his peers, his equals or neighbors, 
and of his own condition. These two grand pillars 
of English liberty are the fundamental, vital privi- 
leges whereby we have been, and are still preserved 
more free and happy than any other people in the 
world, and we trust shall ever continue so ; for who- 
soever shall design to impair, pervert, undermine 
either of these, do strike at the very constitution of 
our government, and ought to be prosecuted and 
punished with the utmost zeal and vigor; for to 
poison all the springs and rivers in the kingdom 
could not be a greater mischief; for this would only 
affect the present age, but the other would ruin and 
enslave all our posterity. I shall improve this exam- 
ple by three queries. 

Querij 1. Ah! What is the matter with EngUsh- 
men — men of such courage to be surprised w^ith 
such fear, as though they were like to be taken cap- 
tive, and turned into slaves in their own home ? 
Why, in good truth, there may be a reason for it, 
therefore it becomes them to be very careful under 
this head ; for if they make themselves slaves in their 
own country, or let others do it for them, when they 
can prevent it, they both deny God who made and 
redeemed them, and plainly violate the law of 
nature. 

Query 2. Who is it Englishmen are thus afraid 
of? Who do they thus reflect upon in their frights 
and fears ? It is neither France nor the great Turk 
which dreads them ; therefore it must needs be some 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 87 

body or another nearer home that threatens their 
liberty. And may not New England's gospel liber- 
ties deserve so much fear and caution, although it 
should so happen that somebody should be reflected 
upon by their cautiousness ? 

Query 3. If the settling such immunities as the 
privilege of parliaments and juries in the hands of 
the people be such effectual barriers to preserve a 
nation from tyranny and slavery, then whether, when 
gospel churches have the means in their own power, 
it be not their wisdom to keep up the like barrier, or 
something equivalent thereto, that they may preserve 
themselves safe from the arbitrary measures of their 
own ministry ? — or thus, whether for Englishmen, 
when their liberties in church or state are fast locked 
up for them and their posterity by law and regular 
settlements, it be not their best way to beware how 
they repeal those laws, or weaken those settlements ? 

But at present I shall leave it to other men to run 
the parallel between our constitution, and the several 
governments I have mentioned, and infer what more 
they shall think proper, only leaving to myself the 
liberty to conclude, that the several examples of civil 
states which I have named, do serve abundantly to 
justify the noble nature of our constitution in church 
order ; for that the several famous and august nations 
which I have mentioned, in all their glory at home 
and success in arms and trade abroad, their several 
governments which have brought them to all this are 
either a perfect democracy, or very much mixed and 
blended with it. 

Then why should we in New England be any 
more ashamed, or less careful of our church govern- 



88 VINDICATION OE THE GOVERNMENT 

ment, which keeps us from tyranny and slavery in 
the concerns of our consciences, than those nations 
are of their civil government, whereby they are pre- 
served from the like damnable circumstances in the 
concerns of their outward life, and natural rights and 
fortunes ? 



OF THE NEW ENGLAl^D CHURCHES. 89 



DEMON STE ATI ON V. 



From the dignity which the providence of God has 
put upon the constitution, both in the first ages of 
the Christian churches and in the last century. 

I. In the first ages of the Christian churches^ God 
has put many marks of distinguishing favor upon 
this constitution, both in the smiles and frowns of his 
providence. 

1. In the smiles of Providence upon the churches, 
whilst they continued complete in their constitution. 
I shall offer but three particulars to justify this obser- 
vation. 

(1) In the great and admirable success of the Gos- 
pel in the conversion of so many nations. 

(2) In their singular purity and virtuous deport- 
ment in the midst of a corrupt world. That (as Mr. 
Cotton observes) was a general eulogy belonging to 
their members, and ascribed to them by the wiser sort 
of heathen, namely. Bonus vir^ tantum Christianus — 
he is a good man only w^ho is a Christian. 

(3) They were eminently supported and carried on 
by the grace and providence of God through all their 
direful sufferings ; the more they were wasted and 
destroyed, the more they grew and increased, as 
Israel in Egypt. Indeed whilst they remained firm 
to their constitution, they were not only like an army 



90 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

in banners, but in reality the greatest conquerors that 
ever appeared on earth. They merely baffled the 
bravery of the old Roman spirit, and were quite too 
hard for those who had vanquished the world. I have 
seen, says Eusebius, the executioner (tired with tor- 
menting them) lie down panting and breathing, etc. 
But I never saw the martyrs weary of sufferings, nor 
heard them desire a truce : nay, were rather ambi- 
tious of the longest and most terrible sufferings, that 
they might be martyrs in every member. Thus the 
churches endured hardness as good soldiers of Christ 
through ten bloody persecutions, and at last retreated 
by divine providence under the umbrage of the great 
Constantine ; and there the churches of God made 
the finest show that ever was seen on earth — next to 
Christ in his transfiguration. Till this time the 
churches remained the subjects of their democratical 
government in some good measure, though there were 
some symptoms of an alteration in the last century ; 
but indeed after the churches were freed from the 
rage of heathen persecutors, there quickly followed 
the perfect subversion of their order. 

So we come, 

2. To consider the frowns of Providence that pur- 
sued the Christian world after the subversion of their 
primitive constitution. Sufficient observations have 
been made under the foregoing demonstrations, set- 
ting forth the change of government which was made 
in the churches ; and, in short, it was really and prop- 
erly the altering the ministry of a democracy into 
an aristocracy ; for, to speak plainly, the public offi- 
cers, to gratify their ambition, took all the power into 
their own hands, and settled all affairs and concerns 



1 



OF THE XEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 91 

according to their own minds, without control. But 
let us eye the providence of God, and we may 
observe that God did soon stain the pride and glory 
of these men, especially in two eminent instances of 
his displeasure, which I shall only mention. 

Instance 1. In the fatal Arian heresy, that spread 
itself hke some mortal contagion through the Chris- 
tian world, that it was said the whole world was 
become an Arian. Arius was the author of this 
damnable doctrine, namely, that our Saviour Christ 
was neither God nor eternal, but a creature ; and that 
he assumed only the body, not the soul of man, etc. 
This damnable heresy soon spread itself far and 
wide ; the author was in the height of his wicked- 
ness, and fell a victim to divine vengeance in the latter 
part of Constantine's reign; but his heresy continued 
and prevailed, and especially amongst the clergy. 
But this is very awful to observe, that when these 
men by their wit and cunning had once cozened 
and cheated the fraternity of their ancient rights and 
prerogatives, God left the devil to cheat and deceive 
them, as wise and learned as they were, of their true 
religion and souls together. What good did all their 
legerdemain do them now? Had not they better 
have kept holy and humble pastors, confined to their 
parochial diocesses, and known and loved and 
preached Christ, the eternal son of God, and him 
crucified, rather than stretched their boundary like 
sovereign princes, and so left to perish under such a 
dreadful dispensation as the fruit of their ambition 
and infidelity? 

To me (considering the commencement, the deadly 
nature, the rage, the universal prevalence and con- 



92 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

tinuance of this damnable heresy) it seems as though 
God had looked down from heaven and viewed the 
sacrilegious robbery committed upon the churches 
with detestation ; and therefore summoned a con- 
gress of the several states of the other world. 1 Kings, 
22 : lOj — I saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and 
issuing out proclamation. ... Be it known, that never 
has a nobler cause been so baffled and sacrilegiously 
betrayed by the dignified trustees of it as this. I 
have been down amongst my golden candlesticks, 
my famous churches ; I find the fraternity drowsy 
and remiss, setting too low a value on their inestima- 
ble rights ; and those who should rouse them from 
their security and incogitancy, rather esteem it a 
lucky omen ; and, therefore, to satiate their own ambi- 
tion (instead of advising and directing the churches 
in the study of their constitution, and so plead their 
cause for them), they consult how to defraud them, 
they wrest the Scripture, darken all places which set- 
tle their titles, and, to end all disputes, threaten them 
Diotrephes like (3 John. 10), with the secular power 
that is now on their side. That they have at last 
absolutely supplanted them, stripped and taken away 
the rights belonging to the churches, and purchased 
at so dear a rate. That as though the Almighty 
should say. My patience is out! and my justice has 
prepared a cup of confusion for them ; w^ho, of all 
this convocation, will go and hand it to them ? And 
there came forth several legions with an arch-devil at 
the head of them, and stood before the Lord and said, 
We will go and persuade them ; and God said, You 
shall persuade them and prevail also ; therefore go 
forth and do so, 1 Kings, 22 : 22. As though God 



OF THE XEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 93 

should say, I have now in displeasure abandoned 
them to ruin ; they who should have had a zealous 
regard to my settlements, and, as one chief end of 
their ministry, should have sought the happiness of 
the people, and not their own ease, vainglory, pride, 
and luxury; now leave them exposed to obliterate 
the essentials of their faith, and so fall a sacrifice to 
divine fury. Go, you malignant powers, do your 
worst ; the hedges are now down. 

Instance 2. The universal apostasy that has fol- 
lowed the subversion of the old constitution. We 
may in some degree date God's departure from his 
churches when they began to subvert the order of 
them, and so gradually withdrew, till he — at last left 
them to perish by whole ages together. It must not, 
indeed, be thought or said, but that God had a rem- 
nant through many ages, who continued orthodox in 
faith, both in the ministry and brotherhood. But yet 
it is very obvious that Christianity gradatim declined 
till all was swallowed up in a universal and direful 
apostasy, never sufficiently to be deplored, neither 
fully expressed unless we transcribe the volumes that 
contain it. I do account, indeed, that the destruction 
of the churches, in moral speaking, may be attributed 
immediately and nextly to other causes, as ignorance, 
pride, hypocrisy, etc., but remotely to the dissolution 
of the order of them. For that the constitution fore- 
named was adjusted by divine wisdom for preventing 
and remedying such maladies as proved the ruin of 
the churches ; that when the remedy was quite 
taken away, baxl humors predominate, and symp- 
toms of a deadly aspect appear, and so death inevi- 
tably follows. 



94 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

II. In the last century God has been very admira- 
ble in the works of providence, and has therein highly 
dignified our constitntion. And we want no other 
evidence under this head than the recognition of 
what God has done for these famous English colo- 
nies in North America, who have all along distin- 
guished themselves from all the world, by their 
singular regard both to the faith and practice of the 
true religion. Now let any other constitution on 
earth but parallel ours, in the eminent shines of prov- 
idence and in religious effects, and we will resign the 
whole cause. But whilst, then, we will go on and 
rejoice in the grace of God, that we in these coun- 
tries are, by his good providence over us, the subjects 
of the most ancient, rational, and noble constitution 
in church order that was, w^ll be, or can be, whilst 
the laws of nature and grace remain unrepealed. 
For that it is a constitution which infinite wisdom 
hath authorized and founded in the law of nature, 
and his omniscient providence has eminently honored 
and dignified both by the smiles and frowns of his 
countenance, through all the ages of the Christian 
world to this very morning. And though some of 
the reverend churches wdthin this grand consociation 
(who settled upon the same platform with us), have 
with too great a precipitation made a defection from 
the constitution, yet this is our comfort, that their 
alteration is not so firm as the laws of the Medes 
and Persians; for that those who turned them off, 
may by the same power bring them on to their old 
basis again. And let Christ pity and help them, for 
certainly their present state is portentous, from what 
may be observed from the proceedings of providence 
through the whole Christian era unto this day. 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 95 



THE CONCLUSION. 

I shall now conclude my whole essay by annexing 
the joint testimony of those eminent men, fathers in 
these churches, now in glory, namely, the Reverend 
Mr. John Higginson and the Reverend Mr. William 
Hubbard. And the rather because Mr. Hubbard did 
some time before his death, desire to have their tes- 
timony reprinted, and live with some other book 
which it might properly accompany. I am well sat- 
isfied the foregoing subject is the most proper com- 
panion their testimony could have lighted on, in its 
travels through this world ; I therefore make bold to 
invite the said testimony to set out again with fresh 
courage, and improve its excellent language, together 
with former acceptance it found with the churches, 
to ingratiate and bespeak favor for this small treatise, 
its new ally and fellow traveller. 

And let the holy churches (for whom these now 
appear in joint testimony to confirm their divine 
pedigree) flourish in their strength, beauty and order, 
after this triumvirate shall sink under the tyranny of 
moths and human forgetfulness, and lie down in the 
house of oblivion, where I hope the enemies of the 
constitution will be gotten down before them, and 
there fast buried in their own bones and dust. 

But lest any should think it absurd, that I here 
produce such venerable authority in way of epilogue, 
which should rather in honor have been placed in the 
front of this attempt. To this I reply, that in honor 
and prudence I choose here to place these worthies. 
For you must note, I am now retreating out of the 
field of battle, and I hope upon honorable terms too ; 



96 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

and then the rear is the highest place in dignity ; so 
that though they are bringers-up, it is no diminution 
to them. And not only so, but out of prudent con- 
duct ; for though I presume the enemy is fairly van- 
quished, yet some forlorn party may rally, and to 
gratify their desperate fortune may disturb us, but I 
hope these valiant and wise commanders thus posted 
will secure our rear, beat back the enemy, and bring 
all off with triumph. 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 97 



A TESTIMONY 

TO THE ORDER OF THE GOSPEL, IN THE CHURCHES OF NEW ENGLAND. 
LEFT IN THE HANDS OF THE CHURCHES, BY THE TT70 MOST AGED 
MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL YET SURVIVING IN THE COUNTRY. 



1. Above seventy years have passed av/ay, since 
one of us, and above sixty, since the other of us came 
into New England, and having obtained help from 
God, we continue to this day. 

We are, therefore, capable to make some compari- 
son between the condition of the churches, when 
they were first erected in this country, and the con- 
dition into which they are now fallen, and more fall- 
ing every day. 

But we wish that in making this comparison, we 
had not cause to take the place, and the part of those 
old men, that saw the young men shouting aloud for 
joy at the new temple, Ezra 3 : 12. Ancient men 
that had seen the first house, when the foundation 
of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a 
loud voice. 

2. We are under a daily expectation of our call to 
appear before our Lord Jesus Christ ; and we have 
reason to be above all things concerned, that we may 
give up our account with joy unto him. That we 
may be the better able to do so, we judge it neces- 
sary for us to leave in the hands of the churches a 
brief testimony to the cause of God and his people 
in this land. And this the rather, because we are 

7 



98 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

sensible that there is risen and rising among us, a 
number who not only forsake the right ways of 
the Lord, wherein these holy churches have walked, 
but also labor to carry away as many others with 
them as they can. 

"We are also informed that many younger men of 
great worth, and hearty friends unto the church- 
state of the country, scarce know what interpretation 
to put upon it ; but find it a sensible disadvantage 
unto them, that the elder men are so silent and remiss 
upon the manifest occasions that call aloud for us to 
open our mouth in the cause of churches that we 
should be loth to see led unto destruction. 

3. We that saw the persons, who from four famous 
colonies assembled in the synod, that agreed on our 
Platform of Church Discipline, cannot forget their ex- 
cellent character. They were men of great renown 
in the nation, from whence the Laudian persecution 
exiled them ; their learning, their holiness, their grav- 
ity, struck all men that knew them with admiration. 
They were Timothies in their houses, Chrysostoms 
in their pulpits, Augustines in their disputations. 
The prayers, the studies, the humble inquiries with 
which they sought after the mind of God, were as 
likely to prosper as any men's upon earth. And the 
sufferings wherein they were confessors for the name 
and the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ, add unto the 
arguments which would persuade us that our gra- 
cious Lord would reward and honor them with com- 
municating much of his truth unto them. The 
famous Brightman had foretold, Clariorem lucem 
adhuc solitudo dabit^ etc. God would yet reveal 
more of the true church-state unto some of his faith- 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 99 

ful servants, whom he would send into a wilderness, 
that he might there have communion with them. 
And it was eminently accomplished in what was 
done for and by the men of God, that first erected 
churches for him in this American wilderness. 

We do, therefore, in the first place, earnestly tes- 
tify, that if any who are given to change, do rise up 
to unhinge the well-established churches in this 
land, it willbe the duty and interest of the churches 
to examine whether the men of this trespass are 
more prayerful, more watchful, more zealous, more 
patient, more heavenly, more universally conscien- 
tious, and harder students and better scholars, and 
more willing to be informed and advised than those 
great and good men, who left unto the churches what 
they now enjoy. If they be not so it will be wisdom 
for the children to forbear pulling down with their 
own hands, the houses of God, which were built by 
their wiser fathers, until they have better satisfaction. 

It is not yet forgot by some surviving ear-witness- 
es of it, that when the synod had finished the Plat- 
form of Church Discipline, they did with an extra- 
ordinary elevation of soul and voice, then sing 
together the song of Moses, the servant of God, and 
the song of the Lamb, in the fifteenth chapter of the 
Revelation; God forbid, that in the loss of that holy 
discipline, there should be hereafter occasion to sing 
about breaking down the carved work of the houses 
of God, with axes and hammers, or take up the 
eightieth Psalm for our lamentations. 

4. It was a joy unto us to see and read a book 
which the reverend president of our college lately 
published, under the title of " The order of the gospel, 



100 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

professed and practised by the churches of Christ in 
New England." A book most highly needful and 
useful and seasonable, a most elaborate and well- 
composed work, and well suited unto those two 
worthy designs ; first, the maintaining the congrega- 
tional church-discipline ; and secondly, the maintain- 
ing the sweet spirit of charity and communion to- 
wards reforming Presbyterians, who are our united 
brethren. But we must here withal testify, that in 
that worthy book there is nothing obtruded upon the 
churches, but what they who were here, capable of 
observing what was done sixty years ago, do know 
to have been professed and practised in the churches 
of New England (except in one or two) ; then, and 
ever since, until of late, some who were not then 
born, have suggested otherwise. Yea, it is well 
known, that the churches then publicly maintained 
those principles in several judicious discourses, w^hich 
were never confuted by any men whatever, unto this 
present time. And we do, therefore, most heartily 
commend that book of the order of the gospel, unto 
the perusal and acceptance of the churches of the 
Lord. 

5. It was one of the songs (as the Jewish masters 
tell us) in the feast of tabernacles, Blessed be our 
youth which have not made our old men ashamed. 
But alas! we that are old men must confess our- 
selves ashamed, when we see after what manner 
some of our youths have expressed and behaved 
themselves, and with what scoffs they have assaulted 
the order of the gospel, in some things lately pub- 
lished and scattered about the country ; which have 
been so far from answering the arguments brought 



OF THE ^^EW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 101 

for our church order, that they have been by the won- 
derful providence of Christ, made useful to establish 
the minds of serious Christians, in those very points 
which they see so weakly and so rudely opposed. 
We have taught our children in the catechism, called 
Milk for Babes, that there is to be a covenant of 
God in the churches, wherein they give up them- 
selves, first unto the Lord to be his people, and then 
to the elders and brethren of the churches to set for- 
ward the worship of God, and mutual edification. 
And it cannot but be grievous unto us, as well as 
unto all serious Christians, for my children of New 
England, scornfully to vomit up their milk with 
scofis upon that and other sacred actions in our 
churches, too horrible to be repeated. 

If they take away from us one of the songs among 
the Jews, they would however leave us room for one 
of the sighs uttered by a rabbi among them ; the 
worst fruit which we eat in our youth, excelled the 
best which we now eat in our old age, for in our days 
the world is changed. 

6. Concerning all sinful attempts to overturn the 
order of the gospel, hitherto upheld in the churches 
of New England, and to spoil the glorious w^ork of 
God, which we have seen him doing, with a series 
of remarkable providences, in erecting such Congre- 
gational churches in these ends of the earth; we 
would now, therefore, bear our testimony, that they 
are doubtless displeasing to our Lord Jesus Christ, 
who walks in the midst of these golden candle- 
sticks, and they will prove bitterness in the latter 
end. 

And this we declare with the more concern upon 



102 VINDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 

our minds, because of an observation so plain, that 
he that runs may read it. 

It is too observable that the power of godliness is 
exceedingly decaying and expiring in the country, 
and one great point in the decay of the power of 
godliness, is men's growing weary of the congrega- 
tional church discipline, which is evidently calculated 
to maintain it. 

If that church discipline were more thoroughly 
and vigorously kept alive, even by those that make 
profession of it, it might be hoped, that the Lord 
would sanctify it for the revival of all godliness in 
the land. 

But if this church discipline come to be given up, 
we think it our duty to leave this warning with the 
churches, that probably the apostasy will not stop 
there ; for the same spirit that will dispose the next 
generation to change their way in one point, will dis- 
pose them to more, and more changes (even in doc- 
trine and worship as well as in manners) until it may 
be feared the candlestick will quickly be removed out 
of its place. 

7. We do therefore humbly propose it, unto all the 
churches as a great expedient, for the preservation 
of our church-state, that more prayer (even in whole 
days of prayer set apart for that end) with other ap- 
pointed means, may be used in the churches to ob- 
tain from the Lord, the outpourings of the spirit of 
grace on the rising generation. If so rich a blessing 
were obtained (and our heavenly Father will give 
his Holy Spirit unto them that ask it), and if the ris- 
ing generation might be a praying, pious, devout and 
regenerate generation, there will not be such danger 



OF THE NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES. 103 

as now there is, of their easily giving away the pre- 
cious legacy which their fathers (now beholding the 
face of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory), left unto 
them, or of their doting upon innovations fatal to the 
order of the gospel among us. 

8. Now as aged Joseph said, I die, and God will 
surely visit you ; even so, we the unworthy servants 
of the Lord, whose age bids us every day to look for 
death, and our call to that world, where to be is by 
far the best of all, do conclude with our prayers unto 
the Lord for these holy churches, that he would 
surely visit them, and grant much of his gracious 
presence and spirit in the midst of them ; and raise 
up from time to time, those who may be happy in- 
struments of bringing down the hearts of the parents 
unto the children. The Lord bless these his 
churches, and keep them steadfast, both in the faith 
and in the order of the gospel, and be with them, as 
he was with their fathers, and never leave them nor 
forsake them. 

John Higginson, 
William Hubbard. 



THE 



CHUKCHES' QUARREL ESPOUSED: 



OR, 



A REPLY U SATIEE, 

TO CERTAIN 

PEOPOSALS MADE, IN ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION, 

WHAT FURTHER STEPS ARE TO BE TAKEN, THAT THE COUNCILS 
3IAY HATE DUE CONSTITUTION AND EFFICACY IN SUP- 
PORTING, PRESERVING, ANT) WELL-ORDERING 
THE INTEREST OF THE CHURCHES 
IN THE COUNTRY? 

By JOHN WISE, 

PASTOR TO A CHURCH IN IPSWICH. 



Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may he sound in the faith. — Trr. 1 : 13. 



ABJICIENDUS PUDOE, QUOTIES URGET NECESSITAS. 



Glocester, March 25, 1715. 

Reverend Sir, — 

We have had the favor and satisfaction of reading, and accord- 
ing to our measure considering the transcendent logic, as well as 
grammar and rhetoric, of your reply to the proposals ; by which 
our eyes are opened to see much more than ever before we saw, 
of the value and glory of our invaded privileges, and are of 
opinion, that if your consent may be obtained to a new edition, 
it may be of wonderful service to our churches, if God shall 
please to go forth with it. However, it will be a testimony that 
all our watchmen were not asleep, nor the camp of Christ sur- 
prised and taken, before they had warning. 
We are, reverend Sir, 

Full of dutiful respect and gratitude, 
Your sons and servants, 

Samuel Moodey, 
John White. 



QUESTION AND PROPOSALS, 



Question. "What farther steps are to be taken, that 
the councils may have due constitution and efficacy 
in supporting, preserving, and well ordering the inter- 
est of the churches in the country ? 

First Part. It was proposed, 

1. That the ministers of the country form them- 
selves into associations, that may meet at proper 
times to consider such things as may properly lie 
before them, relating to their own faithfulness to- 
wards each other and the common interest of the 
churches ; and that each of those associations have a 
moderator for a certain time, w^ho shall continue till 
another be chosen, who may call them together upon 
emergencies. 

In these associations, 

2. That questions and cases of importance, either 
provided by themselves or by others, presented unto 
them, should be upon due deliberation answered. 

3. That advice be taken by the associated pastors 
from time to time, before they proceed to any action 
in their particular churches which would be likely to 
produce any embroilments. That the associated pas- 
tors do carefully and lovingly treat each other with 
that watchfulness which may be of universal advan- 



108 THE churches' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 

tage ; and that if any minister be accused to the 
association whereto he belongs of scandal or heresy, 
the matter shall be there examined, and if the asso- 
ciated ministers find just accusation for it, they shall 
direct to the calling of the council, by whom such an 
offender is to be proceeded against. 

4. That the candidates of the ministry undergo a 
due trial, by some one or other of the associations, 
concerning their qualifications for the evangelical 
ministry ; and that no particular pastor or congrega- 
tion employ any one in occasional preaching who has 
not been recommended by a testimonial under the 
hands of some association. 

5. That they should together be consulted by be- 
reaved churches, to recommend to them such persons 
as may be fit to be employed amongst them for 
present supply, from whom they may in due time 
proceed to choose a pastor. 

6. That hereunto may be referred the direction of 
proceeding in any of their particular churches, about 
the convening of councils that shall be thought neces- 
sary for the welfare of the churches. 

7. That the several associations in the country 
maintain a due correspondence with one another, 
that so the state of religion may be the better known 
and secured in all the churches, and particularly it is 
thought necessary to the well-being of these churches, 
that all the associations of the country meet together 
by their respective delegates once in a year. 

8. And finally. That ministers disposed to associ- 
ate endeavor, in the most efficacious manner they 
can, to prevail with such ministers as unreasonably 



QUESTION AXD PROPOSALS. 109 

neglect such meetings with their brethren in their 
proper associations, that they would not expose them- 
selves to the inconveniences that such neglects can- 
not but be attended withal. 
Second Part. It was proposed, 

1. That these associated pastors, with a proper 
number of delegates from their several churches, be 
formed into a standing or stated council, which shall 
consult, advise, and determine all affairs that shall be 
proper matter for the consideration of an ecclesiasti- 
cal council within their respective limits, except 
the cases are such as the associated pastors judge 
more convenient to fall under the cognizance of 
some other council. 

2. That to this end these associated pastors, with 
their respective churches, shall consociate and com- 
bine according to what has been by the synods of 
these churches recommended, that they act as conso- 
ciated churches in all holy watchfulness and helpful- 
ness towards each other ; and that each church choose 
and depute one or more to attend their pastor, as 
members of the council in their stated sessions, or 
occasionally, as emergencies shall call for. 

3. That these messengers from the several conso- 
ciated churches shall be chosen once a year at the 
least. 

4. It is propounded, as that which from our begin- 
ning has been recommended, that the churches thus 
consociated for these purposes have a stated time to 
meet in their council, and once in a year seems little 
enough, that they may inquire into the condition of 
the churches, and advise such things as may be for 



110 THE churches' QUAKREL ESPOUSED. 

the advantage of our holy religion. But the more 
particular time is best left to the determination of 
each respective association. 

5. That the associations shall direct when there is 
occasion for this council to convene, on any emer- 
gency, and shall direct whether the whole or only a 
certain number of these consociated pastors and 
churches shall convene on such occasions. 

6. It appears agreeable to the present condition of 
our churches, and from our beginnings acknowledged, 
that no act of the councils is to be reckoned as con- 
cluded and decisive, for which there has not been the 
concurrence of the major part of the pastors therein 
concerned. 

7. The determinations of the councils thus provided, 
for the necessities of the churches are to be looked 
upon as final and decisive, except aggrieved churches 
and pastors have w^eighty reasons to the contrary, in 
which cases there should be provision for a further 
hearing; and it seems proper that the council con- 
vened on this occasion should consist of such pastors 
as may be more for number than the former, and they 
should be such, as shall be directed to, and convened 
for this purpose by the ministers of an association, 
near to that whereto those of the former council 
belonged, unto which the aggrieved should accord- 
ingly apply themselves, and in this way expect a final 
issue ? 

8. If a particular church will not be reclaimed by 
council from such gross disorders as plainly hurt the 
common interest of Christianity, and are not mere 
tolerable differences in opinion, but are plain sins 
against the command and kingdom of our Lord Jesus 



QUESTIOlSr A]S^D PROPOSALS. Ill 

Christ, the council is to declare that church no longer 
fit for communion with the churches of the faithful ; 
and the churches represented in the council are to 
approve, confirm, and ratify the sentence, and with- 
draw from the communion of the church that would 
not be healed. Nevertheless, if any members of the 
disorderly church do not justify their disorders, but 
suitably testify against them, these are still to be 
received to the wonted communion by the churches ; 
and if, after due waiting, the church be not recovered, 
they may (upon advice) be actually taken in as mem- 
bers of some other church in the vicinity. 

These proposals were assented to by the delegates 
of the association, met according to former agree- 
ment, at B , September 13th, 1705. To be 

commended to the several associated ministers in the 
several parts of the country, to be duly considered, 
that so what may be judged for the service of our 
great Lord, and his holy churches, may be further 
proceeded in. 



THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 



TO THE FRATERNITY OF THE CHURCHES IN THE NEW 
ENGLAND COLONIES. 

TRULY HONORABLE AND BELOVED IN CHRIST: — 

It is not from any disrespect, or for want of honor 
to the reverend eldership and pastors of your several 
communities, that I apply myself more immediately 
and thus abruptly to yourselves in this dedication. 
But for that it seems most agreeable with my present 
province. The privileges of the fraternity being so 
peculiarly the theme and subject of my pains, I es- 
teem it very proper to introduce my following essays, 
with a few words of advice more directly to your- 
selves, if you may be thence moved and encouraged 
to assist for support of Christ's and your own in- 
terests. I desire to be without offence to any, and 
pray that all such worthy persons, wise and faithful 
pastors in these churches (who are as much obliged 
by their office to stand by and defend the established 
interest and rights of them as I am, and far more 
capable) will interpret my whole action in the most 
favorable sense. And though I have not with the 
noble Cortius leaped into a chasm made in the 
forum, yet I have ventured to step into the gap to 
keep the breach, till better hands come up for the 



EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 113 

service of my country, and in defence of their sacred 
liberties ; so that I hope many of you will come in 
with a new supply and recruit of courage and argu- 
ment, when and where mine fails. And for the 
present I presume none of you will be offended, 
though I do thus immediately address the churches 
over which you preside, with the following principles 
of their interest and duty wrapped up in each other. 

Then, honorable brethen ! 

1st. In general my advice is to you, that in good 
order and with all gracefulness which becomes wise 
men, you will with zeal, courage, and faithfulness, 
stand in the defence of, and maintain your church 
liberties. God certainly obliges you to do it, with all 
the discretion and bravery of spirit which becomes 
free men, in withstanding vassalage or a servile state. 
Gal. 5 : 1, 13. Stand fast, therefore, in the liberties 
wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entan- 
gled again with the yoke of bondage. The plea is as 
forcible against a Christian as a Jewish thraldom. 
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty. I 
must acknowledge I have not particular prejudice 
against any of the governments of Christian Protest- 
ant churches in the world, so as to defraud or dispos- 
sess any of them of heaven, or monopolize so great a 
royalty to our own ; but yet I am of this opinion, 
considering the just title of the crown, the churches, 
the people, the capacity of soil and climate together, 
that the constitution and way of New England 
churches cannot be mended by exchange. 

Briefly, to instance in the civil part, or interest of 
the crown, I think it very easy to evince, by the pre- 
cepts both of religion and policy, that the parliament 

8 



114 THE churches' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 

(that wise and august council of the nation) could 
not have invented an establishment in church order, 
more for the service of the imperial crown of the 
British empire than our present constitution, espec- 
ially in such a country and climate as this is. 

I shall not now any wise enter upon the question, 
but only give just a short hint as to the revenue. 
Our present constitution does indeed, somewhat 
more than sip, it takes an honest healthful draught at 
nature's fountains, but leaves the flowing streams for 
empire to sit at, till filled with satiety. 

The ecclesiastics in some kingdoms in Europe are 
ready not only to chide with crowned heads, but to 
take them by the throat and wring out of their hands, 
if not almost a moiety, yet a vast share of the golden 
fleeces that should supply the public treasuries, and 
clothe the nakedness of the kingdoms, and the people 
have no more wit but to justify and defend them in 
their claims and oppressions, and that till they them- 
selves (in great numbers) are as thin and ragged as 
penury itself; for by their rules of adjustment, when 
the church hath gotten an unconscionable share, 
then the crown or subject must be almost starved ; 
for there is not left a sufficient and plentiful supply 
for both. 

But now our New England constitution is very 
fair-mannered, for when it sits down to the stalled ox 
(made ready) it carves temperately, and (without 
much defacing) leaves the whole to the empire to 
make its armies and navies, with the rest of its need- 
ful and unwearied servants welcome, that in loyalty 
to your prince and for the support of the royal reve- 
nue, you may justly preserve your freedoms. 



EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 115 

Let us also consider the best good of the whole 
people. 

It is most certain true grace is the one thing need- 
ful, and the main concern for the improvement of the 
powers both of prince, noble, and peasant. And 
though grace be of that nature that it will grow" 
(after a fashion and in some sort of soil) almost un- 
der any government ; yet it is most agreeable with 
laws of piety and wisdom (for the good of all in gen- 
eral), to choose and secure that constitution and 
form of government that is most agreeable, and 
which most naturally breeds it, and in greatest plenty. 

By the suffrage of our nation, that government 
which sensibly clogs tyranny, and preserves the sub- 
ject free from slavery, under the ambition of men of 
great fortune and trust, is the only government in 
the state to advance men's temporal happiness ; and 
we in this country honor the resolve in civil affairs, 
and also affirm (upon great experience) that such a 
constitution in church government is (also) the only 
way to advance grace and man's eternal happiness ; 
and we are the more ratified in our opinion, for that 
the experiment has on the other hand been tried with 
a witness, in almost all kingdoms of the Christian 
world, and that first, by disseizing (dispossessing) 
the fraternity of all interest in church government, 
only they have had the liberty to be governed with a 
hook in their nose (like wild cattle in a string), by 
the mercy and pleasure of their drivers ; but as for 
any share in the exercise of government, they have 
had no more than the horses in the royal stables, for 
that their spiritual owners having seized all the keys 
of church power, they profess no dividend shall be 



116 THE churches' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 

made, and also they themselves being uncontrollable 
by any, and unaccountable to any, unless it be to 
Christ himself, as they pretend ; though I believe 
thousands of them never expect to meet with him, 
nor think that he ever will audit any accounts of 
theh's. 

But, however, for the comfort and glory of the 
present life, the whole government of the spiritual 
kingdom, in all its branches and with its immense 
profits, has been established theirs. But this sort of 
discipline hath sunk great part of the Christian 
world as many times over as ages have passed, since 
it hath been installed universal rector, and where it 
hath kept absolute possession of the throne. 

And must the waves and present currents sit and 
waft these churches towards those rocks and ship- 
wrecks, whilst we have such good hands and pilots 
on board ? God forbid ! 

Therefore let these churches and the noble frater- 
nity of them stand their ground, keep fast hold of 
what you have got. Rev. 3 : 11 ; Hold that fast 
which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. 

Hold your hold, brethren ! Et validis incumbite re- 
miSj pull up well upon your oars, you have a rich 
cargo, and I hope we shall escape shipwreck ; for ac- 
cording to the latest observation, if w^e are not within 
sight, yet we are not far from harbor ; and though 
the noise of great breakers which we hear imports 
hazard, yet I hope daylight and good piloting will 
secure all. 

More particularly I ask your patience with liberty 
(still for your service) to make the few following dis- 
tinct petitions. 



EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 117 



PETITION I. 



Honorable Brethren : — That you would know 
what you are, and who you are, in the more ample 
and heroic sense of your state ! 

It is certainly very agreeable with grace, for the up- 
right, sometimes to shift ideas, and change such as 
are mournful for those which bear a bright aspect in 
their condition ; otherwise they may rob God of the 
glory of the best part of his grace and bounty, and 
disable their own strength for some of the most im- 
portant services they are called to in the world ; there- 
fore Nehemiah plucks up his courage and says. 
Should such a man as I flee ? As though he should 
say, he knew himself owner of too many great en- 
dowments and instruments to be so little as to run 
for it, or be dreaded with such an alarm, Neh. 6 : 11, 
12. 

So brethren imagine yourselves to be something 
more than ordinary ; for really you are so ; and that 
as you are a gospel combination, and collectively 
considered. 

What ! the best men of our country who form our 
courts, and command our armies, that make the fig- 
ure and cast the true lustre (by their great wisdom 
and real accomplishments) in all great shows and 
appearances. Must all these be made null, or buried 
in a miosis (as is frequently enacted by ambition) 
for the sake of some inferior members in a fraternity? 
which is as much as to say, in state affairs, because 
cobbler's stalls or orange seller's baskets, afford no 



118 THE churches' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 

statesmen, ergo, none to be found ; or because that in 
many great counties there may chance to be an hun- 
dred knaves and twice the number of fools, ergo, 
there be no legates homines^ lawful men fit for 
juries ; no men fit for burgesses or knights of the 
shire, to be found to make parliament men ? and so 
the kingdom must needs loose all its ancient rights 
by default. And whether or no such observations as 
these, that are so very conclusive, as you see, may 
stand for better law" and logic in the churches than in 
the empire ? 

But if of equal force in each constitution, then, 
whether this is not the way to inter and bury the 
glory of the empire and churches in their own rub- 
bish, whilst we incapacitate the heroes of both by an 
argument a minoriad majus, namely, by inferring the 
insufficiency of the great and wise, because of the 
mean and base mingled in the same communities. 



PETITION II. 

That you will put such an estimation and value 
on your church liberties, as the English do on their 
civil. And this is but a very reasonable request, if 
you consider the differing treasures under custody, 
namely, immortal souls on the one hand, and out- 
ward fortunes on the other. 

Many of you know the stories (possibly better than 
I can recite them) which tell us what ship-loads of 
blood and treasure those civil things that cost the 
English world ; and how near they still lie to Eng- 



EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 119 

lishmen's hearts. And many of you being imme- 
diate successors, cannot but be very sensible what 
these New England liberties have cost your progeni- 
tors, some of them having buried their estates, and all 
of them their bones in these foundations, and left 
you now in possession, that if you should put con- 
tempt upon their adventures, their courage, wisdom, 
zeal, and self-denial, by underprizing these inestima- 
ble enfranchisements, and slight them as though they 
were now to be indorsed by your own hands with 
Hezekiah's Nehushtan, God may then put you to learn 
the worth of them at that school where they learnt it, 
and I am sure you will pay dear for your tutoring if 
it comes to that. 



PETITIOX III. 
Honor and oblige youpw pastors and public ministry. 

It is certain they are very great articles in the rea- 
sons of your well-being. (Matt. 5: 13, 14.) They 
make all things more savory, and to go down with a 
better relish ; yea, they alter tragedies and comedies 
into a more grateful entertainment. What is all the 
glory in the world without the gospel purely dis- 
pensed, and its most refined influence ? These are 
the lights of the world, and carry the lantern aloft in 
the dark night of your travels, through the tempestu- 
ous ocean of a miserable life, to direct all to a safe 
landing at last. 

Indeed, I must acknowledge, your ministers, when 
sound and faithful, are to be accounted and esteemed 



120 THE churches' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 

amongst the best of your friends, though when cor- 
rupt and prejudiced, the worst of your enemies. 

I think the devil himself and the world of his ac- 
complices cannot do you the damage they may upon 
a revolt. That I beg you will be curious and careful 
of your interest embarked and deposited there. 

And without making any scruple (in the main) 
they are your hearty and faithful servants. Endeavor 
to increase their love, and let them see and feel you 
have a double honor for them for their works' sake. 
And if after all your repeated grace and goodness, 
they will desert and betray you, they shall then incur 
a double guilt both by transgressing the laws of 
gratitude to you and of loyalty to their great Lord. 

And I assure you, sirs, I should upon such terms 
be very loath to share in their triumphs, though their 
gains should be seemingly great, and their signals 
and shouts equal with the Csesars of the world in 
their going off. 



PETITION lY. 

Furnish your churches with ruling elders * 

The nature of the office is not only agreeable with 
your frame, and exacted by your principles, but in- 

* The ofSce of ruling elder obtained in some of the early churches 
of New England, but has long since become obsolete. Dr. Bent- 
ley says " The office of elder never existed in Salem but in name, 
and did not survive the first generation." Dr. Ware says, " Kul- 
ing elders were obsolete in 1735 in the Old North Church." Dr. 
Stiles says, " Neither lay nor teaching elders ever obtained in 



EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 121 

deed carries safety and protection in it to your liber- 
ties ; such trustees are not liable to corruption as 
other officers, in that you do (as it were) transmit and 
intrust them with your very principles of self-preser- 
vation, which are of that nature as never to alter 
their sentiments, unless it be in the dissolution of the 
subject, when it falls together. The office seem.s a 
creation, where your just and regular sympathies and 
antipathies centre by the laws of nature ; that what 
you love, they love ; what you hate, they hate ; and 
being ex officio^ of the standing watch and guard, 
they will peculiarly personate yourselves upon every 
notable crisis, and naturally caring for your affairs, 
will, like wakeful sentinels, curiously and with cour- 
age guard your liberties. 

Let churches which are numerous and fuller of 
eminent gifts, lead the way, and then excite and pro- 
voke their sister churches to such love and good 
works for the advance of the common cause. There 
are without doubt, in these churches, many private 
members, worthy persons, suitably qualified for this 
office, who (like some edge-tools heedlessly left to 
rust out in oblivion) lie hid, yet, when found, and 
put to use, will prove themselves truly eminent. 

Let Christ's churches seek amongst their neglected 
hoards ; for they are without doubt, church by church, 

many of the churches of the first New England generation." 
Neal affirms that they were obsolete in his day. The titles, 
bishop, elder, and presbyter, pastors and overseers, are used in 
Scripture as synonymous or convertible terms. The pastoral of- 
fice comprehends the whole ministry. — See Punchard's View, pp. 
78-84, 109-112 ; Congregational Dictionary on the word elders, 
pp. 158-168. • 



122 THE churches' quarkel espoused. 

far richer than they make for; there are, indeed, com- 
plaints of great poverty, and of a dearth and scarcity 
of suitable men. But I presume it is done with 
great injustice ; and complaints of this nature in these 
churches, are but the complaints of servants that are 
full fed; and relieve no case by complaining, but 
rather reflect dishonor upon their good master, who 
hath bought all and bestowed enough and also incur 
blame to themselves for not improving those talents for 
the advance of his exchequer, which they themselves 
have wrapt up in a napkin, and that in this case, by 
too much symbolizing with the carnal and politic 
men of the world, who to humor some by ends (un- 
der the masquerade of indigent persons) make them- 
selves very poor, though God has given them great 
riches. (Prov. 13 : 7.) This is a true (though a se- 
rious affirmation) that in oar constitution and prin- 
ciples, there is as plain a precept, if not as great a 
reason for this officer, as for any other in our churches ; 
and yet, as to the matter of fact, we find it to be rara 
avis in terra^ like a black swan in the meadow ; and 
though the whole species is not quite rooted out, yet 
it is grown very rare to find one individual. 

Now the fault must be somewhere, and I am satis- 
fied our poverty is least to blame. 

That somebody or another must needs be culpa- 
ble, on the account of this great omission, may I 
without offence issue out, search, and inquest, to 
know who is to blame upon this failure, whether 
brethren, or public officers, or whole churches ? 



epistle dedicatory. 123 

1. Private Brethren. 

May not the blame be laid in some cases, and in 
some churches, upon some very capable Christian 
gentlemen, who, though not encumbered (for the 
pubhc) with any other incoherent service, yet are 
possibly too shy of this trust, when offered to them ? 
It must needs be acknowledged, the office is almost 
perfectly a piece of mortification and self-denial; 
there is no provision in it to feed ambition, or feast 
any other lust ; all is full of watching and painful- 
ness, and the reward and wages quite out of sight. 
But, however, in such examples, whether persons so 
qualified and so called ought not to comply, or them- 
selves bear the blame. 

The terms of Christ's kingdom are very strict and 
rigorous for the honor of his own crown, when our 
just titles are competitors, and he lays the conditions 
of our obedience upon a great forfeiture if we do not 
submit when called to duty, Matt. 10 : 37, 39. 

2. Public Officers. 

May not the ordained officers in some cases and 
in some churches be taxed or blamed for this great 
omission ? Such as out of timidity and distrust, 
jealous ruling elders, least they should, instead of col- 
leagues, prove corrivals in the exercise of their own 
trust and authority, for being men not of such deep 
learning, yet may prove so fortified with friends and 
so popular, as that they may be capable to overtop 
men of greater learning and wiser principles of con- 
duct in all administrations. 



124 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

Now if any of Christ's churches are vacated of this 
officer by such jealousies as these, or of the like na- 
ture, can the officers be without blame ? and if so, 
then whether the first-born son may not justly impre- 
cate future barrenness on his own mother's womb, 
for fear lest he should be supplanted of the inheri- 
tance by the next son or brother born of the same 
mother? 

Secondly. Such officers as may plead their own par- 
ticular conscience and persuasion against the office, 
as being of a doubtful original, or of an uncertain 
institution, and therefore make bold to overrule our 
plain precept for it, and the church submits : whether 
is there not a great blame here ? 

It seems apparent by all rules of order and govern- 
ment, that this is too sovereign in the one, and too 
servile and careless in the other. 

For that no officer's particular conscience must be 
a rule to govern any particular church contrary to the 
church's own law or rule of establishment ; for if it 
be, then the churches must have as many distinct 
charters and differing books of canons, as their pas- 
tors have differing consciences — which is a plain 
inlet to all sorts of confusion. 

Thirdly. Such officers who plead the custom of 
the churches, and so make the illegal omissions of 
some a sanctuary for the same fault in others ; but 
whether this plea from custom will hold officers ex- 
empt from blame, when weighed in a just balance ? 
Custom is justly allowed a great conqueror in the 
world ; it subdues whole kingdoms to its empire, and 
all men submit and adhere to its demands and dic- 
tates as to an oracle. But then it must be custom 



EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 125 

that is honorable, laudable, and uninterrupted, other- 
wise a custom which continually crosses a plain pre- 
cept is very culpable, and contracts a long series of 
guilt, and may expect to be pursued with a tedious 
train of sad consequences, although it should with 
much presumption wipe its mouth and say, I am in- 
nocent. Therefore custom is no plea in this case, 
but rather renders all who depend upon it to be re- 
duced to a desperate posture in their thoughts and 
arguments ; for though there is a customary omission 
that has prevailed in the churches to a sad degree as 
to this office, yet the omission has all along crossed 
a precept, and has been confronted by the custom of 
other churches in the land, who have attended their 
duty ; so that those churches who have maintained 
the practice have kept lawful possession of the right, 
and the title being matter of record and founded in 
law, there remains no shelter here from custom for 
delinquents. 

Fourthly. Whether those officers are justifiable who 
honor the office, yet do honestly and uprightly think 
that the narrow extent of territory may (as to many 
churches) serve as a supersedeas (suspension) to the 
office ? For what need of so many great commis- 
sions in so small bodies ? But whether small 
churches have not great work belonging to them, 
sufficient to improve a full and complete set of offi- 
cers, and possibly all little enough to do the work 
well, if the nature and extent of it be rightly consid- 
ered and faithfully managed ; for who is sufficient 
for these things ? 



126 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

3. The Churches. 

Whether the churches, as incorporate bodies, are 
free from blame when they do not regularly endeavor 
to complete themselves in all offices, and prosecute 
their claim to this with effect ? 

The ruling elders are the church's privilege, and a 
very great right, on which their well-being and sta- 
bility does much depend, and the great omission in 
the country has probably brought things to that pos- 
ture of fickleness as we now find them at. Then 
whether the churches can be exempt from blame 
when they suffer such vacancies to continue, when it 
is in the power of their hands to remedy it? 

Here indeed is a great question commencing, 
namely : 

Question, Whether any church can possibly, and 
according to rules of order, proceed to elect ruling 
elders, when other of their officers in actual rule and 
trust shall refuse to call and guide the church in the 
choice ? 

I shall indeed transgress the bounds of my own 
intentions, and the civility of an epistle, if I should 
now undertake a full and conaplete answer to this 
question. 

I shall therefore at present only just indicate the 
principal titles or heads for answer, by pointing briefly 
at the duties of officers, and the prerogatives of the 
churches in the case. 

1. It is most apparent through the whole ministry 
of the world (unless in absolute monarchies), that it 
is the duty of all public officers to minister according 
to the plain rules of the public state, and not by their 



EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 127 

own fancy or wills, and so in this case, the chief 
ruling officer or officers (then in being) in point of 
conduct are obliged to lead the church in their opera- 
tion according to the church's plain and settled prin- 
ciples, and not reluct because their own persuasions 
do otherwise incline them. It is now plainly too late 
for any officer to pretend conscience against estab- 
lished rules. This objection should have been made 
before they had taken office ; but now it is out of 
season, for they were elected and ordained to govern 
the church, not by their ow^n thoughts as the rule, but 
by the church's canon, and that by their own consent, 
when they took office. And, moreover, this is most 
evident, that if such powers as belong to the inside 
of men's being, namely, their hearts, fancies, notions, 
judgments, imaginations, or consciences, call them by 
what names you please, or let the owners freely fix 
the titles (the odds is not great), now if these are to 
be the rule of churches, then pastors and ruling offi- 
cers have (in their degree) as absolute a dominion 
over the churches, as the great Turk has over his 
bashaws and other vassals. 

But I hope none here will claim this dominion. 
And if not, then let pastors and teachers do their 
duty in point of conduct (if the churches are not re- 
miss in theirs), and this great vacancy may be soon 
supplied, and there is also a relief for officers, if 
their just prerogatives are anyways touched by the 
traverse. 

2. To confine the discourse to this present exam- 
ple, and to shorten terms, for brevity's sake, it must 
be granted that any particular officer, sensible of his 
duty, that shall undertake to gratify and lead the 



128 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

church, ill the election and choice, etc. This makes 
the case very easy in point of conduct ; yea, though 
other officers in the same church, if there be any, 
should either oppose or not act. For that any one 
ruling officer in a church, where there may be many 
of the same nature, he himself is virtually the whole 
college of officers in any office act that he performs 
without them. As in civil affairs, a particular execu- 
tor so far sustains the whole executorship, as that he 
can make a valid act in that ministry, though many 
others are joined with him in the same testament, 
and yet do not nor will not act with him in this or 
that affair, though confirmed in their trust; which 
principle is founded in the nature of a joint tenancy 
in general, and in a joint trust in particular, held by 
many equals. 

3, The case is very difficult when the standing 
officers join as one man, and will not guide the 
church in these elections referred to, etc. And I 
must needs say, I fear here has been the great bar to 
this office. 

We may, from interest as well as duty, rationally 
suppose the inclinations of the churches, and the de- 
sires of many of them have been made known by 
repeated and honorable solicitations therein, saying 
to Archipus, Fulfil thy ministry (Cor. 4 : 17), and we 
may also affirm, the principle is plain, the office is 
acknowledged at home and abroad to be of divine 
original. But however this is certain, it is a formal 
establishment by these churches, and not now to be 
disputed. Yet the officers pretend they see no reason 
to give way to the churches' desire or demands, 
neither will they conduct in this case, though their 



EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 129 

duty does oblige, that so the church may be com- 
pleted in its officers ; no ! they are pleased, by acts of 
a superintending power, to lock the church door and 
turn the key against this office, and no pleas or per- 
suasions can alter their resolutions. But hereby the 
officers do plainly abdicate their office, by changing 
the acts of a limited trust, bounded by precept, into 
what is merely arbitrary ; so in a degree they break 
iip'the relation between themselves and the church, 
^nd by such an essential error, so contrary to the 
jphurch's charter and their own commission, they for- 
feit all at once, though lenity and mercy may favor 
them with a long life ; yet in the eye of justice they 
are dead men, if not in nature, yet in law, and upon 
their obstinacy may justly be degraded ; therefore, in 
such a case, when it comes to the extremity, the 
churches may and ought to call in council, and pro- 
ceed in their work and duty for their own well-being, 
after the manner of an inorganic church platform, 
chap. 10. And this I need not stand to describe, our 
platform, the laws of the province, and the practice 
of the churches in other cases and vacancies, will 
do it. 

Then whether these congregational churches 
through these provinces may not justly reflect blame 
upon themselves, for too supinely negligent a frame 
of spirit towards so great an interest and so noble an 
office, seeing they have such a share in government, 
and can fairly rescue themselves and their own rights 
by the power and principles of their own essence, 
when their other officers neglect duty ? 

9 



130 THE churches' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 



PETITION y. 

That you will please to revise the study, and in 
order to it, a new impression of your platform. 

It is very usual for many gentlemen in your coun- 
try, landed men and men of estates, every man to 
keep his law book by him, as his Bible — the Bible 
for the solace of his mind, and the law book for the 
safety of his estate, that upon any defamation of title 
or other encroachments, when his lands and proper-, 
ties are in hazard, he may know whither to repair for 
his direction and how to make his defence. And so 
methinks it should be with the members of the 
churches, as to their stated rights by their canon law. 
That there should be a kind of a penalty (if the haz- 
ard in such a defect be not punishment enough) on 
such delinquents as live members of Christ's visible 
kingdom here, and yet live without the platform, the 
ecclesiastical political charter of these churches. 

I must needs say, and I wish I could whisper it so 
low that the echo might never rebound to Gath or 
Askelon, and yet be distinctly heard through these 
churches, that I fear the impression of the platform 
is almost extinct, if not quite worn out in the coun- 
try ; and that, as it was said in the day of battle 
under king Saul, that there was neither sword nor 
spear found in the hand of any of the people, so here, 
though your Bible, which is the sword of the Spirit, 
is in every man's hand, yet possibly, this spear or 
necessary weapon in the defence of your gospel liber- 
ties, your platform, is scarce to be found in the hands 
of one in a thousand, through all the host of Israel. 



EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 131 

I do therefore advise my country and these churches 
to furnish yourselves, and that you would encourage 
the printers in this design, and they can soon recruit 
you. 

My honorable and dearest friends. 

If we are pushed on to battle, and our weapons 
are then in the oar, we may justly suspect we shall 
be but too easy and cheap a conquest for assailants. 
Therefore furnish yourselves in good time with this 
piece of artillery, that you may be well fixed and 
equipped for service. 

Do not you hear from the top of yonder proud 
and lofty mountain, the enemies' trumpets, and their 
drums beating a preparative ? Therefore, let all the 
good soldiers of Christ be complete in this and aJl 
other parts of their armor, and at an hour's warn- 
ing, unless you reckon your treasure not worth 
defendini?. 



PETITION VI. 

Whether it may not be very proper for these 
churches, after so long an interval, to admit of this 
address, namely, that they will please to meet or 
represent themselves in a provincial or 'general 
synod ? 

That if there be any thing in our church govern- 
ment which may want amendation, that (as the)' 
say) it may be done, secundum iisum sarum, or regu- 
larly and according to the manner of these churches ; 
or if there be any new forms, needful to be inserted, 



132 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

or whatever else may in a way of order be thought 
necessary for the advance of religion, it may be fairly 
decided for the service of the whole. And also, if it 
shall then be judged prudent, our principles for the 
seizing and trial of the more ungovernable and 
stouter sort of delinquents and offenders, may be re- 
vised and somewhat enlarged, that so it may be 
made very easy for all particular churches to make 
out processes against them, and that they shall find 
the churches' fetters will hold them. That forever 
after all small juncto's of men, or particular persons, 
member or members of the churches (let their char- 
acter be what it may be) shall be deterred from 
being so hardy and bold as to divulge their perni- 
cious doctrines and seditious sentiments, with such 
presumption and such hopes of impunity as some of 
late have done. 

Thus, right honorable and beloved in Christ ! 

1 have nothing more at present to add by way of 
petition to yourselves, but only that you will please 
to take this poor piece of service in good part. 

But though it be but as a little goat's hair, or a 
badger's hide or two, or skins not well dressed, yet it 
may be some way useful for the tabernacle. And 
though it will not shelter against storms of great 
shot, it may serve to cover and shield from some 
slighter arrows. 

But let it be what it may be in every other man's 
opinion, it is in mine (as to design and intention) my 
love, honor, and loyalty to my God, prince, and coun- 
try, for v/hose service I was born, according to the 
received maxim, non soli nobis nati sumus. And here 
I pay one part of my debt to those great creditors in 



EPISTLE DEDICATORY. 133 

such species as I have ; therefore, I hope for pardon 
from, and acceptance with, all of them. 

My conclusion is with devoutest application to the 
supreme throne, that the Almighty God will bless the 
great Anne, our wise and Protestant princess, New 
England's royal nurse, and great benefactress, that 
she may live to see all the Protestant churches 
through her vast empire more virtuous and more 
united, and as they all meet and centre with their 
differing persuasions, by their love and loyal actions 
in her person and government. Let her most excel- 
lent majesty, next to Christ, continue absolute in her 
empire over their hearts, and as she has made such a 
complete conquest of all different parties within her 
dominions by her wise and virtuous measures, and 
thereby won all the fame of rule and sovereignty 
from her royal progenitors, who could never so charm 
such mighty nations. Let her reign continue the 
exactest model for all courts in Europe ! And when 
she is full, replete, and satisfied with length of days, 
and the most glorious effects of a prosperous reign, 
let God favor her lasting and flourishing name with 
an unperishing monument, on which justice shall be- 
come obliged to inscribe this memento, namely : 
" Here lies in funeral pomp the princess of the earth, 
the storehouse of all ennobling and princely perfec- 
tions," that if all the monarchs on earth, have lost 
their excellences, their arcana imperii^ their state, 
wisdom, skill in government, and all sorts of heavenly, 
princely, and heroic virtues, here they may be found 
lodged in this one unparalleled monarch. 

Let God bless his excellency and preserve the gov- 
ernment of the province, and let it continue always 



134 THE CHURCnES' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 

in the hands of natives, and let our country succes- 
sively breed men of such merit, as shall always en- 
amour imperial majesty with their loyalty and worth ; 
and that their true deserts may ever purchase for 
them such a high station, w^hilst they shall plainly 
outweigh their rivals in the royal balance. And let 
them be always patrons to these churches, as an 
acknowledgment to the crown of heaven, as the set- 
tled condition of tenure they hold by, and possess 
such royal demesnes. 

Let the great and good God of heaven and earth 
bless these churches, the beauty of the wilderness, 
and continue so noble a ministry as they now have, 
and prosper and requite their faithful and unwearied 
labors, and let him continue the succession, and 
furnish the next set with greater accomplishments 
and virtue. 

Let Christ Jesus, the great shepherd, who hath the 
care of the flocks in the wilderness, preserve inviola- 
ble the iniestimable privileges and liberties of these 
churches ; and let them entail them, with all other 
civil and sacred rights and immunities w^hich they 
now enjoy, as a sure estate of inheritance to the last 
posterity of this people. And let their children and 
children's children remain from generation to gen- 
eration, until the world be done with and the sun 
has left shining. 

So prays the meanest of all your servants in Christ, 

John Wise. 

May 31, 1710. 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 135 



AN ANSWER 

TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 

The nobleness of parentage, by the laws of honor, 
entails on posterity (with other rights) a protection 
from all incivilities, but not from the austerer de- 
mands of justice, when that is affronted and violated. 
Justice keeping the golden rule [quo dai suum cuique) 
observes no other distinctions, than what it first 
makes in its distributions amongst the rich and poor, 
the noble and ignoble, it is no respecter of persons ; 
for that it is superior to all men, and sits as a veiled 
empress, holding the balance to weigh out equal to 
each one according to the merits of the cause, and 
sees no man. 

There being now under cognizance such as are of 
honorable families, and yet arrested and brought by 
due course of law to answer for high crimes, it must 
not be supposed rudeness in manners, though they 
be somewhat freely and rusty handled, whilst the 
prosecution is held agreeable with the impeachment 
and rule of justice. And as for myself, who am un- 
der commission from authority, to appear in defence 
of my country's sacred liberties, I can in my own 
justification affirm, that I have no dishonorable incli- 
nations, but carry a just mind, so as to condemn no 
man or thing, but upon plain evidence, nor to aggra- 
vate any plea beyond its just bounds. 

Therefore, though in the following pages there 
may be discerned a great liberty in argument, with a 



136 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

mixture of satires, as though none but my inferiors 
were involved in the charge ; yet ascribe it unto my 
love and veneration for so great an interest as I ap- 
pear for, and not to any base intent of sinking the 
honor, or darkening the lustre of men. I neither de- 
\ / sire, nor design to hurt any man, no, not so much as 
a hair on his head, but I solely aim at error^ that is 
the butt I level for. 

Thus having by this brief but sincere apology, se- 
cured the honor of my intentions, if I am worthy of 
belief, I shall no longer interrupt the process, but 
shall next, draw up the indictment upon which these 
proposals are to pass and abide a trial. 

And this I shall do in a form borrowed from Sir 
Edward Cooke, the king's attorney, in the arraign- 
ment of Sir Walter Rawleigh, in these words. 

Here is mischief, mischief in sitmmo gradu ; yea, 
exorbitant mischief. This is the charge I offer to 
make good against the proposals at the bar of com- 
mon reason ; in order thereto, I shall proceed, and 
expect to produce sufficient evidence under two 
heads. 

I. By a few preliminary queries. 

II. By a more critical examination of the propo- 
sals themselves. 

I. As introductory, and for the bringing in further 
evidence against the criminal proposals, now upon 
their trial, I offer these following queries. 

Query 1st. Whether the churches in New Eng- 
land are not fairly in possession of a form of govern- 
ment, by which they are distinguished from most of 
the reformed churches in the world, more than by 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 137 

their grace ? and if so (which no man that knows 
them will deny), then it must be some superior 
power or their own voluntary act, regularly obtained, 
that must out or dispossess them. Did an equal 
clairner appear, yet long and quiet possession holds 
against a writ of ejectment, a very strong plea in the 
sessions, both of reason and law ; according to that 
acknowledged m.axim, jEquali jure^ melior est con- 
ditio possidentis^ \^]\en two plead an equal right, he 
is in the best condition who is in possession ; then it 
can be no less than a very indisputable right, and 
duly prosecuted with effect, that can dispossess these 
churches of their government. 

Query 2d, Whether length of time has discovered 
any essential error in the government of these 
churches ? 

And First, it has, or Secondly, it has not. 

1. If time has made any such discovery, yet the 
proposals have not been so fair as to detect it, or de- 
scribe wherein or in what respect. The great service 
these churches with their government have done, in 
subduing and beautifying a wilderness, bespeaks 
some considerable respect from all men, who value 
wisdom or piety ; that it must needs seem a harsh 
piece of justice, without any formal trial, for them to 
be driven from plenty, and sent to the doors of their 
own tenants, to beg for a booty out of that estate 
which was once their own at least, by a seizing in 
fact, if not in law ; for that the proposals kill, and 
take possession with far less ceremony or legal for- 
malities than Ahab did in gaining the right of Na- 
both's vineyard ; when as if there is any essential 
eiTor in their frame or constitution, and that they 



138 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

have either ignorantly or treacherously assumed any 
peculiar prerogative which belongs to Christ's throne, 
as king, that was never their due to possess (and so 
being considered as usurpers, are dead in law), yet 
notwithstanding it would not have offended against 
the laws of gratitude in sending them to their graves, 
to have put some more marks of honor upon them, 
by certain solemn and usual forms of trial in the pro- 
logue of their dissolution ; for they have been cer- 
tainly great and good servants to the public, that if 
they deserve to die, they ought to die under all the 
marks of honor which justice can allow of, at the 
least a grand sessions, a jury, and liberty to make 
plea in their own defence, and under the influence of 
royal council, should have been granted ; unless they 
may be treated as conquerors serve unfortunate pi- 
rates, who when taken, are without form of law hung 
up at the yard-arm, 

2. But if no such discovery can be made, whether 
it is a wise and just thing for men to alter their gov- 
ernment? The churches of Christ in this country 
have been in possession of this form of government ; 
and it hath been established by certain legal and or- 
derly familiarities and universal consent; and has 
continued upwards of threescore years. And as the 
poet says, Pervarios casus per tot discrimina raritm 
tendimus in codlum^ they have passed various changes, 
and great temptations, and yet to this day by this 
besom of discipline have been kept as clean swept 
as any churches of God in the world ; and any such 
embroilments as have lately happened in the churches, 
have been more the folly of administrators, in not 
keeping to the rules of government, than from any 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOINa PROPOSALS. 139 

defect in the constitution. Then what reason have 
we to meditate a change ? No, certainly ; it will be 
more divine and agreeable with the law of our relig- 
ious gratitude to join with the Rev. Mr. Nicholas 
Noyse in his doxology or use of triumph and praise 
for the great mercies he recites in his election ser- 
mon, p. 79, says he. Thanks be to God and the king ! 
our houses and our lands are our own, without every 
man's being at the cost of a charter; and yet we 
have the liberty of our religion and the free exercise 
of it without subscribing new articles of faith, wor- 
ship, or discipline ; which is a great favor of God, if 
we have wisdom and grace to improve it rightly. 

Query. Whether the right improvement will be to 
alter the scheme of our government or discipline, see- 
ing nobody else will do it for us ? No, surely ! But 
it will be more agreeable, with both our policy and 
duty, to follow the good advice Mr. Cotton Mather 
leaves us in his Golden-street, page 40, in these 
words, " Where we have a platform left us that is 
according to the word of our gracious Lord, and the 
pattern in the mount ; we shall be great enemies to 
ourselves if we do not keep to it." 

Query Sd. Whether it be not great boldness for 
any particular gentlemen to invade, null, alter, or 
weaken so great a right and propriety, as is the gov- 
ernment of these churches without their consent ? 

Government is the greatest blessing in the world, 
of a worldly nature ; it is felony, cheaper by far to 
the loosers, to plunder men of their estate and wealth, 
nay, and of their lives too, than to despoil them of 
government ; for by the latter you harass and worry 
them in the world with plagues and miseries, worse 



140 THE churches' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 

than death itself, that the basest is far better than no 
government; a churlish tyranny is better than an in- 
solent anarchy, where men are without law, and all 
hail fellows, not well, but badly met And for men 
to alter or swap government, without all interested 
parties are agreed, is a very bold intrusion. 

That, yea, that government which is in any good 
measure formed, and does agree with the natural 
freedom of human beings, and is adjusted by the laws 
of wisdom and honor, and plainly and fairly estab- 
lished ; is too much of God in the world, and too 
great a royalty belonging to men, for any to play the 
knave or fool with. 

And when a government hath done all things in 
the main well, and has reaped in a great stock of 
blessings, now to shuffle it out of place is fickleness 
and not policy ; for a sensible series of blessings will 
always atone for some seeming defects in a constitu- 
tion. Therefore when all Israel met at Ramah, in a 
general assembly, to alter their consular government 
which had been crowned with signal blessings, they 
got ill will in the court of heaven for it, 1 Sam. 8 : 7. 

The great success which attended, signified it to 
be a theocracy, and that it had more of God than of 
man in it, which is an argument, ccBteris paribus, for 
all other governments, and so for this of New Eng- 
land churches, which has been honored with great 
success and many blessings from its beginnings to 
this day ; therefore well does Mr. Cotton Mather de- 
scribe the subject and advise his country, in his late 
sermon on the Street of Gold, says he (in a remark- 
able passage out of a letter), page 40: "Here is a 
temple built, more glorious than Solomon's, not of 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 141 

dead stones, but living saints ; which may tempt the 
greatest queen of Sheba to come and see, and allure 
even kings from far to come and worship me. There- 
fore, as to their government (says he), sirs, do not 
spoil it, oh ! destroy it not ! there is a blessing in 
it." 

Query Ath. Whether by comparing the proposals 
and our platform, we do not find them repugnant 
and so contradictory, that if one stands the other 
must fall ? 

And that we can as soon reconcile a republic with 
an absolute monarchy, or the best sort of free states 
with a politic tyranny, or at least with an oligarchy, 
where the chief end of government is the enriching 
and greatness of its ministers ; and this we may do 
when we have compounded these proposals and our 
platform, so that as that faithful and noble friend to 
these churches, the famous and learned Increase 
Mather, D. D., in an appendix to his dissertation con- 
cerning the sacrament, laments several plots conspir- 
ing the dissolution of these famous churches, in these 
words, namely : The bold attempts which have of late 
been made to unhinge and overset the congregational 
churches in New England, by decrying their holy 
covenant, etc. "We may here justly heighten the 
complaint, and cry, pro dolor I hinc lachrimcB I Alas, 
alas! here is the grief! hence flow our tears! For 
here is a bold attempt indeed, not only to despoil the 
house of some particular piece of furniture, but to 
throw it quite out at windows ; not only to take 
away some of its ornaments, but to blow up its 
foundations. For these bold attempts which that 
ivorthy complains of, seem now to be grown very 



142 THE churches' quareel espoused. 

rampant ; for here is in view a combination of work- 
men disaffected with the fashion of the old fabric, 
who (in pretence) design to repair, but in reality to 
ruin the whole frame. They appear (indeed) some- 
thing in the manner of Nehemiah's men on the wall, 
(Neh. 4: 17), as it were with a trowel in one hand, 
with which they now and then put on a little untem- 
pered mortar, to plaster over a chink or two, where 
the old work by length of time is somewhat weather- 
beaten, to pacify the jealousies of the inhabitants, 
that they may think these builders (surely) are mend- 
ing and not marring their old comfortable habitation. 
But in reality they have in the other hand a formi- 
dable maul, not as Nehemiah's weapon to defend, 
but to break down the building ; for they are all 
hands at work banging the platform in pieces, upon 
which the old fabric is built. That may not the 
churches and all their lovers sigh and complain, as 
once Cicero did, O tempora I O inores I who would 
have expected such times and such things from such 
men ? 

Query 5th, We must needs then inquire, from 
whence the proposals derive their force ? Who gives 
them letters of attorney, or commission to sue these 
churches (by a quo luarranto) out of possession of 
their government? To me (I must needs confess) 
the attempt is very daring, and I see no way of 
reconciliation, unless the scheme drawn in the pro- 
posals can be fairly sheltered under some more au- 
thentic and specious umbrage, than the bold dictates, 
though of the wisest of men, when they are pleased 
to set themselves up oracles for their country. 

So I come. 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOIXG PROPOSALS. 143 

IT. To the more critical examination of the propo- 
sals themselves, which I shall attend, 

L More generally. 

II. More particularly, by taking a survey of them 
in their distinct sections. 

I. More generally, by inquiring into their original, 
and nature. 

1. By making a more exact inquest and search 
after their original, and in this debate they forfeit 
their essence, unless they can derive their pedigree, 
either, 

(1) From God's immediate inspiration. Or, 

(2) From ancient revelation. Or, 

(3) From right reason, which is a ray of divine 
wisdom, enstamped upon human nature. Or, 

(4) From the platform of the churches, which is a 
system of government collected by our ancestors out 
of several fountains, and principally from the Scrip- 
tures. Now in pursuing this distribution, I shall dil- 
igently inquire whether we can hear of their original 
under any of these heads. 

(1) As to immediate inspiration I must needs pre- 
sume, these gentlemen will not dare to assert, that 
they are sent immediately from God with this mes- 
sage to the churches ; they arc too good and wise to 
pretend (with enthusiasts) to immediate vision, or a 
spirit of prophecy ; both the matter and manner of 
their writing, sufficiently convinces that these propo- 
sals are their own sentiments ; they durst not put a. 
Thus saith the Lord upon them ; such an inscription 
is too heavenly and royal for such coin ; for both 
they and we know, according to Deut. 30 : 12. It is 
not in heaven that thou shouldest say, who shall go 



144 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we 
may know it and do it ? There is no need to send 
messengers to that court, to learn by immediate and 
extraordinary information, either the laws of our duty 
or interest ; for that God hath made all things suffi- 
ciently plain by this time of day, either by Scripture 
or reason, for the conduct and government of his 
churches ; yea, of the subjects of his universal intel- 
lectual monarchy in this world. 

(2) As to ancient revelation ; Holy Scripture, that 
best, though not the biggest of books, is the saint's 
library, and the clergyman's pandects, whence he 
takes the rules for the management of his trust ; 
so that it is very amusing that the Bible should be 
forgotten in drawing up such schemes as these ; as 
though the usage of the pope's conclave, which turns 
the Bible out of doors for a wrangler, and gives the 
chief seat to tradition, etc., were here in fashion. 
Indeed, I cannot but esteem them very unfortunate 
proposals, to be turned so naked into the world as 
not to have the least tincture of Scripture to guard 
them from contempt ; no, not so much as a citation, 
that might admit of so much as a strained conse- 
quence in their defence. And so, though less pro- 
fane, yet they are also less politic than the most des- 
perate of heretics, who always bring their errors on 
the stage guarded with Scriptures, and craftily en- 
deavor to make their citations look with such an 
aspect as though they were encamped on their side. 
But here we have nothing for our faith to lean on, 
but so many austerer ipse dixits as bitter pills of 
death for the churches to swallow, without any of the 
confection of heaven or the sweet manna sprinkled 



ANSWER TO THK FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 145 

upon them ; or else only so many naked human pre- 
sumptions, as arrows or bolts too rashly shot out 
against the sides of our churches, and no word of 
Scripture to tip or feather them. Nay, it is very 
memorable, and I account fatal, and to be observed 
that God, that sacred title of the Almighty, with 
which the Holy Scriptures do so abound, is not 
once named (as 1 can find) in the whole treatise ; as 
though the most sacred titles, as well as sections of 
that heavenly book would move fears and irritate 
jealousies, rather than pour down solace and comfort 
upon this undertaking. Therefore, in a word, the 
whole Bible is thrown by as a sealed parchment, or 
as one that never prophecies good to such adven- 
turers. Therefore, these proposals being apprehended 
as sea rovers and indicted upon the statute of piracy ; 
and upon examination being found without the 
prince of princes' colors, and yet doing great mischief 
in assaulting and wounding his churches and lawful 
subjects on their honest occasion ; being bound on a 
voyage to their own country, they can noways in 
justice escape, but must pass under the sentence and 
endure the pains of death, for they are taken fighting 
without commission. 

(3) As to reason. Recta ratio^ right reason, that 
great oracle in human affairs, is the soul of man so 
formed and endowed by creation, with a certain 
sagacity or acumen (in many particular examples 
sharpened by the constitution of nature, by grace and 
study), whereby man's intellect is enabled to take up 
{pro medulo^ or in a degree) the true idea or percep- 
tion of things agreeable with, and according to their 
natures. So that if w^e bring these proposals under 

10 



146 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

examination by the laws of reason, we must inquire 
whether they are agreeable with the nature and con- 
stitution of the churches, if they fully harmonize with 
their principles of essence, then they may be enrolled 
for canons ; but if they jar, and are plainly repugnant, 
we may then lawfully censure them, and pronounce 
them irrational. Whether these churches are consti- 
tuted by Scripture or reason, yea or no, that is not 
our question, but being of such a frame or constitu- 
tion as they now are and always have been, all who 
pretend to support and preserve them, and yet take 
such measures as will utterly overthrow and dissolve 
them, such repairers have apparently deserted the 
dictates and government of right reason. 

And here we may collect an induction of some few 
hints of certain particulars for evidence ; the platform 
asserts a classis to be no gospel form of church or- 
der ; the proposals say it is, or they abuse our credu- 
lity. The proposals order the association to have 
the first cognizance of church cases ; our government 
says, no, it belongs to the jurisdiction of particular 
churches. The proposals give power to the associa- 
tion to limit elections, and to direct them ; but our 
government says, no, it will not consent ; the election 
of officers is the prerogative of the churches, and they 
will not, as yet, part with it, etc. So that when we 
can by the rules of grammar, resolve yea and nay, to be 
the same voice and word, then you may reconcile the 
proposals and the platform ; that certainly whatever 
there be of religion, the method is apparently disa- 
greeable with common reason. 

(4) As to the platform. I shall represent it by a 
kind of a short prosopopoeia, thus, namely, inquiring 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 147 

whether the proposals are reduced from this fountain, 
the platform with all its chapters, and with one joint 
consent, as plain as the tongue in their head can ut- 
ter it, say, that ever since it possessed the govern- 
ment, so much as dreamed of them. It may say 
with destruction (Job 28: 22), we have heard of the 
fame of these things with our ears, but never imag- 
ined so much as a seminal virtue in our own being, 
for their procreation ; but rather starts with the news 
of their approach, out of fear of its own dissolution, 
from their repugnant and formidable nature. There- 
fore, as in a grievous fright from surprise, cries out 
with Athaliah, treason, treason! And begs that 
zeal and conscience, those two solicitors for the crown, 
will at this grand court of Oyer and Terminer, im- 
plead and prosecute them as traitors to the prince of 
peace, and felons to these churches, Christ's loyal 
subjects. So I come, 

2. To inquire into the nature of these proposals, 
by surveying their composition and properties. 

(1) Their composition. They seem a conjunction 
of almost all the church governments in the world, 
and the least part is congregational. Indeed, at the 
first cast of the eye, the scheme seems to be the 
spectre or ghost of Presbyterianism, or the govern- 
ment of the church by classes ; yet if I do not mis- 
take, in intention there is something considerable of 
prelacy in it, only the distinct courts of bishops, with 
the steeples of the churches, tithes, surplice, and 
other ornaments, do not shew themselves so visible, 
as to be discerned at the first look, yet with a micro- 
scope you may easily discern them really to be there 
in embryo, etin rerum natiira ; for this is a known 



148 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

maxim, Quod necessario subintellegitur non deest. 
What is necessarily understood, or lies hid in the in- 
tention of a design, is really there, by a just interpre- 
tation ; therefore these proposals which dare revolt so 
far at a step, as these have done, must needs under- 
stand no less in their aim, than an ennobling govern- 
ment for clergymen, which our princes and parlia- 
ments have adorned the churches with. This seems 
rational, that those which never stick at robbing the 
churches of such an immense treasure, as the propo- 
sals carry off, will never stand. Shall we ! shall we ! 
at the offer of a bishopric, which is a barony with 
all its rights and royal appurtenances. 

There is also something in it which smells very 
strong of the infallible chair, to assume the power of 
making rules to engross all principles of process, the 
right of election, the last appeal, the negative vote, 
and all superintending power in matters ecclesiastic, 
as the prerogative of clergymen, distinct from all 
other estates and ministers in government; or thus, 
for the clergy to monopolize both the legislative and 
executive part of canon law, is but a few steps from 
the chair of universal pestilence, and by the ladder 
here set up, clergymen may, if they please, clamber 
thus high ; for when they are invested with what is 
in these proposals provided and intended for them, 
who then can control them but the Almighty him- 
self? as was said of those daring men. Gen. 11 : 6. 
And now nothing will be restrained from them, which 
they have imagined to do ; for who can now with- 
hold from them infallibility, or stop the direful and 
definitive sentence ? Who can limit their power, or 
shorten their arm in their executions ? Their bulls 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 149 

can now upon any affront, bellow and thunder out a 
thousand terrible curses ; and the poor affrighted and 
invassalled laity, both princes and subjects (being 
hereat in the grave, put under one and the same 
topic) must forfeit their salvation, if they do not 
tamely submit, and obediently become their execu- 
tioners ; for that it is now evident that all power is, 
if not really given, yet formerly stolen, and in intent 
bequeathed to them. 

(2) Their properties. The first property is disorder. 
Order is both the beauty and safety of the universe ; 
take away the decorum whereby the whole hangs 
together, the great frame of nature is unpinned and 
drops piece from piece ; and out of a beautiful struc- 
ture w^e have a chaos. These proposals are there- 
fore very mischievous, if not in matter, yet in the 
manner of production ; they are full of disorder, being 
things born out of due time, their conception is with- 
out countenance, from the rule of order. Indeed, 
there is no statute to be found that will justify the 
first coitus (intercourse) of the parents, neither will 
any allow their social life; that the birth must bear 
the attainder of being both begotten and born out of 
lawful wedlock, and so in point of honor fall under 
the censure of the Levitical law, and must be kept 
back from promotion; for (Deut. 32), '' A bastard 
shall not enter into the congregation." 

That to pass all other remarks, if we are under mis- 
take in the assertions ; I then demand and inquire, 
where is that lawful authority which published legal 
banns, with the consent of all the interested persons, 
and the regular consummation of the match ? If any 
rule can be found to shelter and honor the concep- 



150 THE churches' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 

tion and birth, let it be produced ; and if escaping 
other felonies with life, this scandal shall be taken 
off; but otherwise it must remain as a bar to the 
tenth generation. 

The second property is usurpation. The propo- 
sals apparently usurp the church prerogatives. It has 
been asserted, and it is true, these churches have 
been settled upon the platform of their own govern- 
ment for upwards of sixty years; they have often re- 
vised and reinforced the establishment, both as the 
principles of their consociation and union in general, 
and the form of government for every church in par- 
ticular. Then for these proposals, without license, to 
assume a legislation, and form of a government, so 
repugnant to their own, can be no less than usurping 
a dominion over them, contrary to the rule 1 Pet. 5 : 
3, neither as being lords over God's heritage. Less- 
er acts against empire hath cost many a bold man 
his head. What! for a particular knot or junto of 
gentlemen to make so bold with a settled govern- 
ment as to pick out all the ennobling royalties, liber- 
ties, and enfranchisements in it, and sacrifice them 
to their own ambition! It is enough to put man- 
kind into an uproar. 

It is fresh in memory, that when some of our Eng- 
lish princes (and one would think, if any men may, 
they may be allowed to aspire, yet when they) have 
presumed on less things than these proposals reach 
after, in gratifying their aim at an absolute mon- 
archy, when as they have not dared to lay out with 
such freedom, a new form of government, with a 
wide mouth gaping to devour the English liberties 
(as these proposals do to the churches), but only with 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 151 

much secrecy, covin (fraud), and policy, they have 
by some more clandestine measures been intruding 
upon the ancient liberties of the English nation. 
Every one knows what direful convulsions this has 
bred in the bowels of the kingdom. And may it not 
serve to enliven this plea to invite all such who are 
with Plato, owners of a great genius at inventing 
new, or modelling old government, to try their skill 
in altering the English monarchy, and see how it 
will be probated ? That is, suppose you should ven- 
ture to interdict the royal assent, or convert the pres- 
ent monarch into a duke of Venice, or dissolve the 
lords in parliament, or (rather in harmony with this 
scheme) turn the burgesses and knights of the shires 
(as a sort of men not fit for politics in parliament) 
out of doors? And whether our sovereign, the peer- 
age, or subjects of English liberties would take it 
well ? And whether Christian men may make bolder 
with the established government of Christ's churches, 
than with that which belongs to civil affairs ? In 
honor to the New England churches, and with ven- 
eration for the English monarchy, I dare assert, that 
there is in the constitution of our church government 
more of the English civil government in it, and it has 
a better complexion to suit the true English spirit, 
than is in the English church or any other, both as 
to the legislative and executive part of government. 
Indeed, considering how things are at home in church 
and state, I have been sometimes ready to query, 
why the nation should be so enamoured with their 
civil, and yet so careless and regardless of their gos- 
pel liberties, so as to trust their consciences with their 
clergy, more immediately, and yet will not venture 



152 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

their evstates with their learned judges without the 
privilege and nnediation of juries ; as though they 
were more careful and wise in securing their estates 
than their souls, and valued one far more than the 
other. But I shall go on with the comparison. 

(1) As to the legislation, our New England convo- 
cation admits, and the government does profess the 
fraternity as necessary to the being of all synod ical 
assemblies, that as far as legislation spiritual is left 
to men, and as they have a great treasure, namely, 
their salvation embarked, so they have a great inter- 
est in the management of it; and herein they agree 
with the English caution and wisdom in the modes 
of civil government of the empire, for the commons 
are one great estate in the civil legislation, and they 
have a great power in the management of that great 
trust. 

(2) As to administration, or the executive part of 
government, our New England government grants a 
juridical power to the fraternity, and makes them 
proper judges in all ecclesiastical cases and adminis- 
trations, on persons cognizable, or that must pass a 
trial juridice, which is agreeable with the constitu- 
tion, nature and practice of the civil government of 
the empire; for under the prosecutions of law, no 
English subject, in life, limb or estate, must be passed 
upon but by the judgment of his peers; yea, in all 
pleas of the crown, such confidence has the govern- 
ment put in the loyalty and discretion of the com- 
mons, that our English juries are stated arbitrators 
and umpires between our prince and his subjects. 
Yea, such a dependence has the whole nation in 
keeping these liberties in their own hands, that they 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 153 

reckon the commons in Parliament and juries in the 
commonwealth to be the great pillars of English 
honor and liberties, and they esteem them as ram- 
parts built by the wisdom of our ancestors to defend 
us from tyranny and slavery. 

That considering the affinity in these two constitu- 
tions, one would be ready to query whether the heroic 
true English spirit is not parent to both ? or whether 
they are not equal debtors to the gospel for their 
original? The improvement of this comparison is 
briefly this : suppose some of the great ministers of 
state should venture to sw^eep away all those civil 
enfranchisements which are Englishmen's birthright, 
and set up an arbitrary power with a pretence of 
doing justice and judgment in the kingdom, by more 
concise and expedite measures, whether they might 
not be seized ? And whether the statutes would not 
be chains strong enough to hold them as traitors to a 
well formed government, and then laid fast by a mit- 
timus for great usurpers ? And whether the plea wdll 
not hold in just proportions on the other side of the 
comparison ? 

Third property, riotous. The nature of a riot may 
(in part) be thus described : it is an unlawful assembly 
of more than three met in one place to do an unlaw- 
ful act, as violently breaking down of walls, and pull- 
ing up of hedges, and wrongfully entering into other 
men's rights and possessions, and that in affray and 
terror of the people. In managing this plea, I shall 
only desire that the illegality of the assembly which 
formed these proposals, with the objects and things 
they intend, and the ancient boundaries which they 
plainly invade, together w4th the fearful apprehen- 



154 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

sions that many good and sober people in the vicin- 
age have concerning the enterprise, may be critically 
examined; and I doubt not but when we obtain the 
suffrage of this honorable court, it will determine 
the impleaded criminals are of a riotous nature, and 
so the indictment will stand more valid against 
them. 

Fourth property, sacrilegious, etc. 

Fifth property, rebellious. 

It grieves me to utter the epithets agreeable with 
the nature of these proposals ; yet they must blame 
their own nature, but not my justice, if I give them 
but their due ; for I find them in the breach of a 
royal statute, yea, I think of a penal law. This is 
plain ; they take away the liberties, privileges, disci- 
pline, and government of these churches, all which 
are established to them by the law, and that not only 
by their own canons, but by the laws of this province, 
as by a royal Magna Charta, namely, in an act for 
the settlement and support of the ministers, page 3, 
in these words : " The respective churches in the sev- 
eral towns within this province, shall at all times 
hereafter use, exercise, and enjoy all their privileges 
and freedoms respecting divine worship, church order, 
and discipline, and shall be encouraged in the peace- 
able and regular profession and practice thereof." 

This act (as one says on the great charter of Eng- 
lish liberties) deserves to be written in letters of gold, 
and hung up in all our houses of God's public wor- 
ship, to signalize the zeal (in the presence of God, 
angels, and men) of the authority of the throne and 
empire for the establishing of these churches, and 
Christ's interest in them. Now, considering that the 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 155 

power, policy, and grace of the English crown should 
thus lock up the churches' treasure for them, and set 
such a sentinel, with the flaming sword of justice in 
its hand, to dread and awe intruders, it must needs 
be a very bold action (if it be not plump rebellion) 
to attempt or design such a sequestration or embez- 
zlement as the proposals do. 

Sixth property, unfaithfulness, etc. 

Seventh property, ingratitude. 

For the stewards of great families, when advanced 
to honor and a profitable trust by the free election 
and grace of noblemen, when their lords are laid down 
to rest and sleep too securely, or are gone out of 
town, with this presumption, that their estate is se- 
cure, it being put under the care of loyal trustees and 
thankful servants ; now for such trustees and stew- 
ards, upon such opportunities, to pocket up or load 
away the riches of the family, and set up for them- 
selves, and leave the proprietors beggars whom they 
found in wealth and plenty, is both infidelity and in- 
gratitude. Now let the churches be plucked and 
deplumed as the proposals intend, and they are, after 
the possessing a fair estate, become bankrupts. And 
let those stewards that are guilty answer for the rob- 
bery ; for my part, I will have no share in it. 

Eighth property, impolicy. 

And I am sure there is a great store of this in 
these proposals. I shall instance but in two particu- 
lars. 

(1) In timing the challenge that is here made, to 
brave a rich and powerful enemy at so great a dis- 
tance, and invite him by sound of trumpet to a 
pitched battle, when surprise and ambushments 



156 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

might be laid, and do the work with the expense 
but of a tenth part of the blood which this may cost. 
This is not agreeable with the art of war; Ahithophel 
would have put a derision upon such measures. Ja- 
cob's sons, when taking a bloody design in hand, 
first contrived to stupefy and blunt the courage of 
their enemies, and then came upon them by surprise 
ere they could arm in their own defence (though it 
does not justify their cruelty, yet it magnifies their 
subtlety), for thereby they brought their design about, 
whereas if they had gone a more blunt and daring 
way to work, Simon and Levi had not been half a 
breakfast for the Hivites, Gen. 34: 25. 

So here, had the churches been convened, and no 
noise made of this design, they possibly (though their 
treasures are fortified by right, and so in safety, and 
their troops more, ten to one, than their enemies) yet 
by ambushments or surprise they might have chanced 
to have been coakered or conquered out of all, by 
being flattered, overawed, or over-argued into a sur- 
render or submission ; but we may now rationally 
hope the alarm will rouse the whole camp, and each 
squadron will rebomid it to the next with a hinc 
proximas urit ucalogon; and so the plot may, upon a 
defeat, blame its own bad conduct more than its for- 
tune. 

(2) The design itself (quo ad fluem executionis)^ let 
it come to birth, as is designed or desired, and the 
very heavens would either frown upon or laugh at it 
for its folly. If we examine the climate of the coun- 
try, the degrees of latitude, and the severe stars that 
chiefly govern, there is no good policy in the design ; 
so that methinks the universal frame of nature cries 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 157 

it down for a non compos mentis^ for there are no such 
great creatures as are here conceived can fare in hard 
cold countries as the chameleon does in warm ; there 
must be a very great horde to support them, and na- 
ture does honestly confess she cannot answer the bills 
of fare which belong to their table and do her duty 
to the royal exchequer ; and this must be maintained, 
or all breaks to pieces. 

Again, let it be considered, whether it be not great 
intellectual weakness, or want of policy, for one gen- 
eration to contrive needless loads for the next, espec- 
ially when they may get as well to heaven without 
carrying such packs along the road ? It has been uni- 
versally the humor of mankind, according to the laws 
of nations and nature, when roused by the regular 
dictates of self-love, to endeavor that every following 
generation might be more lightsome, free, noble, and 
happy than that which did immediately precede. 

They say the Chinese dig clay and use it not, but 
leave it heaped, or in pits, mellowing for the next 
age. Every prudent man builds his house for dura- 
tion. The prince enlarges and betters his dominions. 
The peasant sweats to advance his estate, and then 
each leaves all in greater triumph to their heirs. 

The Kentish yeomanry are had in honor to this 
day, for not stooping to the conqueror till they had 
conditioned, and thereby secured their fair estates of 
lands, in fee and freeliolds forever from all forfeiture 
by felony, according to their country proverb, 

The father to the bough, 
The son to the plough. 

Such is the merciful foresight of mankind, and his 



158 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

charitable care and forecast for such as shall follow, 
though they may never be seen or known by their 
wise progenitors. 

But here is plainly a conspiracy very heteroge- 
neous to such judicious acts of human providence ; 
a design plainly, if not perfectly to enslave, yet to 
bring posterity into a needless vassalage and thraldom. 

This is an acknowledged verity amongst wise 
statists, that that monarch who has the command of 
the seas, can at his pleasure command any maritime 
country. And so, those men who have the command 
and empire of the conscience of mankind, can com- 
mand their estates, and indeed whatsoever else is 
grateful to them. 

Then, whereabouts are we in our politics, when 
we have delivered up the royalties that are chal- 
lenged ? and in what a weak capacity shall we leave 
posterity ? Nay, these virtuosos themselves seem to 
be hardened, with the ostrich, against their own natu- 
ral issue, unless the thing would chance to spring up 
as quick as Jonah's gourd, and hang as full of pearls 
and diamonds as the seas and rocks of India, and 
they themselves shall have the first shake, and fill all 
their coffers with this harvest, or at least, that they 
are assured that they can and shall entail their offices 
as securely as their lands upon their own children, 
as was the order of priesthood and the fashion of the 
house of Levi. But alas! These modes are all worn 
out and made null ; and such men's sons as we are 
now treating of, fall in with the multitude, and must 
carry their equal share of the common load ; that 
should the project prevail under their management 
(might they but look up out of their graves in about 



ANSWER TO THE EOREGOIXG PROPOSALS. 159 

half an age), they may complain in elegy, after the 
manner of Virgil with his, Sic vos non vobis hos ego 
versiculos feci^ tubit alter honorem. These verses I 
made, but another man carries away the honor. So 
these gentlemen might even say, we have contrived 
to greaten the clergy, and with bees have filled a 
rich hive ; and built a fair nest well feathered, but our 
posterity we see is never the w^armer, nor will they 
lick their fingers of it ; and not only so, but are the 
men that must make up the tenth sheaf, and deliver 
the tenth cock, calf, and lamb unto others out of poor 
demesnes. And also it may justly beget a mournful 
remembrance in posterity of their parents, and make 
them often look with a sad countenance upon their 
fathers' graves, not because they are dead, but be- 
cause they had not ended their days sooner, namely, 
because this scheme (so oppressive and cruel to their 
small freeholds) had not taken effect under their 
management. 

2. We come now, according to engagement, to 
take a survey of the proposals in their distinct sec- 
tions. 



SECTION I. 

That the ministers of the country form themselves 
into associations, that may meet at proper times to 
consider such things as may properly lie before 
them. 

Answer. There is no doubt or question to be made, 
but that the ministers and pastors of Christ's churches 
may meet in greater or lesser numbers ; for they are 



160 THE churches' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 

masters of themselves, and no more accountable how 
they spend their time than other men are ; but to 
meet at certain times and places as political incorpo- 
rate bodies, or in the form of classes, for the exercise 
and management of government, this must be deter- 
mined by some precept issued from a legislative 
power ; and without this, such who gave the advice 
and exhibit the call, are very despotic and arbitrary, 
and those who attend it are servile in their submis- 
sion ; for that there is no man in his right wits will 
take this honor unto himself, "but he that is called 
of God, as was Aaron, Heb. 5 : 4." The offer or in- 
vitation bids defiance to our constitution ; for our 
platform denies the classical state of the church under 
Christ (chap. 2, sect. 5). Therefore, this is a daring 
article in the criminal's case, and as it strikes at the 
vitals of our government, it must in the trial bear 
weight accordingly. 

Section. And that each of these associations has 
a moderator for a certain time, w^ho shall continue 
till another be chosen, who may call them together 
upon emergencies. 

Answer 1. What limits shall be assigned for the 
precincts of every distinct association ? Or may we 
conclude the best model is to follow the civil distinc- 
tions made by the counties ? And if so, then the 
pastors of each classis are scattered through a terri- 
tory of twenty or thirty miles square, more or less, 
and then it must needs follow that the moderator, to 
discharge his duty, provide messengers to cite all 
these distinct gentlemen upon any emergency ; but 
the great difficulty is, what kind of messenger it 
must be, whether king Solomon's tell-tale bird may 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOIXG PROPOSALS. 161 

be trusted with matters of such importance ? Or, 
whether the moderator must reimburse him ? Or, 
must he go on his own cost, contrary to equity in that 
law ? 1 Cor. 9:7, " Who goeth to warfare on his 
own charge ? " It is apparently an error, that care hath 
not been taken to find horse and man, and baiting- 
places for both on this journey, otherwise for a legis- 
lative power to prescribe chargeable offices, and leave 
them destitute of a temporal support, they must of 
necessity die to save charges, or turn mendicants, or 
hope in their travel to meet with the prophet's juni- 
per-tree ; all which are as disagreeing with good rea- 
son as the proposal itself. 

2. The moderator has an unlimited power during 
the prorogation of the assembly. (1) He must judge 
of emergencies, that he may summon the members ; 
and being left vested with such a prerogative, if after 
he has made his citation he recants, he can then 
countermand his own order, though the gentlemen 
should be all mounted and ready to move. (2) If 
there chance to be an emergency of common concern- 
ment, if he finds his own favorites involved in the 
guilt and danger, he then gives no notice, but stifles 
the business and so cheats the company. (3) And 
upon any disgust, it is now at his mercy to null the 
whole frame ; for he must be in place till another be 
chosen, and how will they get together if he will not 
give the word ? Unless they are creators of them- 
selves the second time, as they were the first. That 
to institute such charitable designs without a fund, 
and tie such trust and dominion on the shoulders of 
men after such a lax and careless manner, and leave 
them at such loose ends, as easily to make fools of 

11 



162 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

men ; for my own part, I slight such methods in 
government. 



SECTION II. 

That questions and cases of importance, either 
provided by themselves, or by others presented unto 
them, should be upon due deliberation answered. 

Answer. I suppose there is no intent to erect a 
young or mock-royal society, or that all questions and 
cases of experimental philosophy be admitted ; if it 
should be so, I think this somewhat touches upon the 
prerogative of the crown, and may be called in ques- 
tion under the head of high misdemeanors, if not pro 
crimini lesm majestatis ; but, howsoever, though there 
be no distinction made, yet we will take it in a more 
charitable sense, and that the proposal (in intent) is 
wholly confined to church matters ; and if so, we 
must then inquire, how many deep questions can be 
found in our country grown mouldy with the Gibe- 
onites' bread, for want of wise handling ? Or can we 
find any such heaps of gordian knots as opprobria 
theologorum, — The reproach of divines laid up against 
(the time) this consistory meet to untie them, that we 
must needs molest our old settlements for their solu- 
tion ? For my own part I cannot comprehend the 
proposal, unless it be a plot to introduce the enemy 
that is in the rear, that is, by making show of great 
illuminations we may be dazzled with their lustre, 
and thereby the more easily taken in the snare here 
laid. But, however, to conclude, as the wise man says 
of things more physical or artificial, Eccl. i. so I 



ANSWER TO THE EOREGOING PROPOSALS. 163 

may say of questions and cases, there are none new 
under the sun. They have been all well spoken to ; 
every learned casuist is full of them, etc., and Ames 
and Turettinus, etc. for a few shillings will do no more 
in a month for an inquisitive mind, than this proposal 
can do in the tedious apprenticeship of many years ; 
then certainly, computing by rules of proportion, we 
can noways expect that the clear gains should coun- 
tervail the great damage we shall sustain by swap- 
ping governments upon these terms. 



SECTION III. 

That advice be taken by the associated pastors 
from time to time, ere they proceed to any action in 
their particular churches, which may be likely to 
produce any embroilments. 

Ansicer. This is very dishonorable, and also a very 
unreasonable encroachment upon the officers and 
government of the churches. 

It divests the officers of the free exercise of that 
office-authority which God's word and our platform 
places in them (read Platf. chap. 10, sect. 8, 9). 
These are to feed and rule the churches, they are to 
receive the accusations, and prepare them for the 
churches' hearing. This section of the platform fixes 
both process and judicature in particular pastors and 
churches without any limitation, but the proposal 
allows no process to be opened till letters of license 
be obtained from the classes. But why may not all 
other persons in office be thus fettered as well as the 



164 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

pastors of churches ? Are these the only students of 
wisdom and righteousness, that are strangers to the 
nature of actions, to the rule and the application of 
it ? All other officers in trust and commission, who 
are wise and loyal, execute the hardest articles in 
their employ, and who may say to them why do you 
so ? Our judges never stick to hang a man, so long 
as their commissions and the law will bear them out, 
and they themselves are left to be interpreters of 
both. And that this proposal is a sanctuary for offi- 
cers against a storm. Alas ! the most that we can 
make of it is a covering of fig-leaves, and may serve 
for a harbor to cowards and fools, but not for men of 
spirit and conduct. The dream of an embroilment 
can never counterpoise duty ; if men are trusted with 
duty, they must consult that, and not events. If 
men are placed at helm to steer in all weather that 
blows, they must not be afraid of the waves or a wet 
coat. 

It is certain it was no diminution for Timothy to 
carry St. Paul's cloak and parchments from Troas, 
2 Tim. 4 : 13. Yet for particular pastors in the man- 
agement of church government to do little more than 
to carry the copies and parchments of associations 
about the country, and hang up their decrees on the 
pillars of churches, according to the order of the pro- 
posal, can never entitle them to such a tribute of love 
and honor as the Scripture does assign them, as the 
purchase of their great merits (1 Tim. 3: 5. 1 Thess. 
5: 12, 13). Such bequestments as these from the 
fountain of honor, must signify more than some such 
poor low servile business (noways too high for Jero- 
boam's priest to execute) as is laid out in the propo- 



i 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 165 

sal, but especially if they have but some one head man 
to conduct and draw up the conclusion. 

Section. That the associated pastors do carefully 
and lovingly treat each other with that watchfulness 
which may be of universal advantage. 

Answer 1. Whether watchfulness is proper, or a 
term applicable to persons so qualified, so sacred, 
and in so high a function as those who are here in- 
tended ? 

2. Whether to institute watchmen over watch- 
men, be not the way to distribute the clergy into in- 
ferior and superior degrees, and so ad infinitit7n^ etc., 
or at least till the churches of this country (for you 
must know this is one proposal made for their sup- 
port), be supported and well ordered by suffragans, 
metropolitans, and other great pillars of those 
churches, where clergymen in higher orbs inspect 
those in the same order, who are beneath them in 
trust and dignity ? 

3. But if you intend honestly only the watch of 
one brother over another, as is the duty of all Chris- 
tian people, one towards another, then I cannot un- 
derstand the sense of the word, as applicable here, 
with the least good meaning or syntax imaginable. 

(1) For though there is a design of new modelling 
of men, and bringing clergymen into another form of 
society, yet there is no intent divulged, that they 
shall cohabit, bed and board together upon certain 
charters, as the friars or benedictines, in their royal 
monasteries. Indeed, the section might have been 
engrossed with the first canons of the Dominicans, 
or St. Bennet's laws, when first entering upon their 
monastic life ; but it noways agrees with this con- 
stitution. 



166 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

(2) For, as for the occasional meeting of men, 
eminently sober and virtuous, what business can be 
supposed for a watch, for about the space of twenty- 
four, or forty-eight hours in such examples ? Very 
bad men will hold out longer than so, in a good be- 
havior, under the awe of but some one venerable 
person, or a grave Cato. 

(3) And when these eminent persons, members 
of the association, are dispersed to their own proper 
precinct, the proposal surely does not intend they 
shall follow the chargeable example of princes, who 
usually keep spies in each other's courts, to inform 
themselves how things are managed there ; for it is 
plain, the charge and expense in managing such a 
watch as this will reduce all clergymen to this di- 
lemma, that they must either vote up the salary or 
vote down the method. But then the thing itself is 
not fair ; for it would seem as though they watched 
more for the halting than the help of each other. 
But as for the proposal, a riddle I found it, and a 
riddle I leave it. 

Section, And that if any minister be accused to 
the association where he belongs, of scandal or her- 
esy, the matter shall be there examined, and if the 
associated ministers find just occasion for it, they 
shall direct a calling of the council, by which such an 
offender is to be proceeded against. 

Ansiver. I must boldly and freely inquire, whether 
this is an honest answer to the question propounded 
in the head of the proposals ? Or whether in reality 
this is the supporting, preserving, and well ordering 
the interest of the churches there meant ? If you 
mean as you speak, I am sure there is either some 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 167 

dishonesty or some misunderstanding between the 
question and the answer ; for it cannot possibly be 
otherwise, unless the parts of speech are lately be- 
come a chaos, and all words are not only of the 
doubtful gender, but such unreasonable epicenes, 
that not only both kinds, but both contraries are sig- 
nified in them ; or thus, that to build, plant, repair, 
pluck up, pull down, and demolish, are all now be- 
come convertible terms ; for take away these high 
prerogatives from the churches, and you take away 
their being. These and such like royalties, are their 
formalis ratio^ or the formal cause [per quam res est 
id quod est) by which they are what they are ; and 
this will be very evident, if we do but read a short 
lecture on the churches' essence anatomized, or let 
their essential and constituent parts and powers be 
viewed in the history and philosophy of their own 
beings, and we shall quickly discern your mistake ; 
for that end read platform, chap. 5, sect. 2. Ordinary 
church power, namely, or privilege, belongs to the 
brotherhood, and may be acted or exercised imme- 
diately by themselves. And more directly to the 
case in hand, look into chap. 10, sect. 6. Where 
there we read. If an elder offend incorrigibly, the 
matter so requiring, as the church had power to call 
him to office, so they have power, according to order 
(the council of other churches, where it may be had, 
directing thereto) to remove him from his office ; and 
being now but a member, in case he add contumacy 
to his sin, the church that had power to receive him 
into their fellowship, hath also the same power to 
cast him out, that they have concerning any other 
members. 



168 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

Now herein we find an essential article in the 
government and being of these churches, that they 
have and hold such jurisdiction over their own mem- 
bers ; that the highest tribunal ecclesiastical on earth 
is there ; and that their own delinquent private mem- 
bers and public officers are triable only there, and 
there they must receive the definitive sentence and 
abide the execution of it. 

And if so, then I shall make bold to revive my 
query again, namely : Whether the proposal is either 
honorable, civil, or honest, thus to tumble down at 
one blow this high seat of authority ? and to break 
open our prison doors and loose the fetters of our 
great offenders ? and at the best to take them out of 
our hands, and make their mittimus to foreign pastors 
to do justice upon them, and yet in the mean time to 
profess they are doing us no other injuries, but only 
repairing and mending our churches ? Again, whether 
this is fair and workman-like amongst honest men ? 

But to make a stop here, I must remind you that 
this head is not to be passed over slightly ; for this is 
the one thing in the essence of our churches, it is 
their peculiar enfranchisement and birthright, and we 
may not sell it with Esau at a cheap market ; if we 
do, we undo ourselves ; for indeed you must know, 
here lies the marring or making of our churches ; here 
is laid up their strength, and here hangs the pick -lock 
of their treasure ; for by this key stolen or wrenched 
out of their hands, the churches of Christ in the world 
have been exposed and plundered for more than a 
thousand years, and many of them have nothing at 
this day left them, comparatively, but a poor, starved, 
shabby implicit faith, and a dull, faturnal, blunt, and 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOIXa PROPOSALS. 169 

blind obedience, that a man would scarcely give a 
groat for both of them. In a word, the usm-pations 
of the pastors since the great revolt, having unshack- 
led one another and broke loose from the restrictions 
they are justly subjected to under the churches' 
power of privilege, has utterly undone the Christian 
workl, from this root of bitterness and pride, from 
this seed sprung up, the man of sin, as we have it in 
an anomalous author, namely, the Eletherians, page 
4, in words to this purpose : " Then a little priest had 
an opportunity to establish himself; then there ap- 
peared in the temple of God that anti- Christ, who 
calls himself the vicar of Christ." And then the 
same author going on to discover the original of this 
monstrous birth, he says thus : " Anti-Christ was con- 
ceived in, by, and from certain affectations of eccle- 
siastical preeminences." As though he should say, 
the first spawn or embryo of that insolent Hector, or 
aspiring Nimrod (who first robbed the laity of their 
Christian liberties, and then hunted down the poten- 
tates of the world, and brought them as a rich spoil 
into his habitation of violence), took its commence- 
ment from this principle, namely, from the clergy's 
assuming to themselves this ecclesiastical preemi- 
nence, namely : first, their obtaining an exemption 
from the cognizance of the churches for the crimes, 
and then in possessing themselves of the sole and 
absolute jurisdiction (by a despotic government) over 
the churches themselves. 

But however things have been hitherto, I shall no 
longer uphold the debate by revising the abuses that 
have been done to the Christian churches by an am- 
bitious clergy in the ages past, which might more 



170 



THE churches' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 



amply be discovered by tracing the footsteps of the 
great apostasy ; but I shall end the whole dispute on 
this head by drawing up a protest, and denying the 
jurisdiction of the court, erected and opened by the 
proposals, as being perfectly disagreeing and repug- 
nant to our former settlements and present constitu- 
tion. 



SECTION ly. 

That the candidates of the ministry undergo a due 
trial by some or other of the association, concerning 
their qualification for the evangelical ministry ; and 
that no particular pastor or congregation employ any 
one in occasional preaching who has not been recom- 
mended by a testimonial under the hands of some 
association. 

Answ. To monopolize (in the great articles of 
trade) some very rich species, and of such use for the 
good of kingdoms that they must needs perish with- 
out it, or be greatly injured by excessive sales, is 
accounted by good commonwealth's men intolerable ; 
for such men or companies so invested can, with Jo- 
seph in Pharaoh's court, buy and sell a country at 
their own prices ; even so, when these churches have 
delivered up the right in their candidates to the 
classes, they may then go a begging to their doors 
for the ministers, and be contented to take what they 
are pleased to put off, and at their own lay. 

Obj\ But you may object, Exomni ligno, non fit 
Mercurius. Therefore the judicious must determine 
and set their mark upon what is merchantable, and 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOINa PROPOSALS. 171 

throw by what is refuse ware, or else there may be 
great damage done for want of caution. And thus 
we come to the plain point in hand, which is to be 
debated by disputing this question, namely : 

Ques. Whether a trial by association is preferable 
to the old custom of the churches, in promoting their 
candidates for the ministry to public trust? 

Ansiv, In the reply, I shall first consider our candi- 
dates under trial, as to their qualification ; and sec- 
ondly, implead the proposal on a just prejudice from 
the corruption of the clergy. 

First. We may consider our candidates under trial 
as to their qualifications. 1. As to their human 
learning; and here we absolutely object against the 
trial of associations, as bootless, useless, and perilous, 
both to them and to us. 

(1) As to the association, it is no diminution or 
trespass upon the laws of honor or truth to affirm, 
" That the settled ministry in general (with some rea- 
sonable exception) is less expert in grammar and 
points of philosophy, than our learned children are at 
the degree of junior bachelors," and that from disuse, 
proved from all experience, Na77i usus promotos facit ; 
and also for the sake of more divine studies, which 
crowd out those first ideas a great pace, according to 
that observation on a learned memory. Imago imagi- 
nem expellit^ aliisque^ alice succedunt^ for as one wave 
thrusts out another, so one idea another. Therefore 
it is pity to expose such venerable persons to the 
hazard in this service, lest when they become posers 
of others, they should be posed themselves. I do 
remember an odd story when I was at college ; it was 
retained as a reproach on a very divine and worthy 



172 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

person. Though he was bred m England, a good 
scholar, and also had been a schoolmaster, and had 
taught the grammar in his young times, but yet hav- 
ing laid by in a great measure the use of such things 
for the sake of more valuable and heavenly specula- 
tions, being at the solstice, and one of the corporation 
ventm-ed in the hall to propose this question to one 
of the commencers : 

Quot sunt Ca3la? 

To which the lad, with sauciness enough, yet with 
a grammatical niceness, only answered, 

Sed audi. 
Mascula duntaxat calos vacitabis et Argos : 

That prisians head will in likelihood be kept bleed- 
ing from one generation to another, by reason of 
some unlucky strokes, if this form be established, and 
that to the great detriment of those who strike the 
blows. 

2. To us. Academical learning we profess to 
be a very essential accorpplishment in the gospel 
ministry. It is introduced by the ordinary blessing 
of God upon human endeavors, to supply the place 
of the cloven tongues, and those other miraculous 
gifts and endowments of mind impressed upon 
Christ's ambassadors, whereby fishermen commence 
[per saltum) doctors of divinity, and in an instant 
were stocked with such principles of religion, reason, 
and philosophy, that they were capable to dispute 
with Athens itself, and baffle the greatest wits she 
could produce, in defence and for the advancement 
of Christ's kingdom, Acts 17 : 18. 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOIXa PROPOSALS. 173 

Thus it is very reasonable that the churches should 
be well assured of the sufficiency of the learning of 
those persons, ere they presume on the ministry ; yet 
there is a fairer way in view, fuller of honor and 
safety, than what the proposal directs to. 

Our academy is the store-house of learning, and 
this all mankind will assent to. When you have lost 
the company of the muses, there they are found in 
their freeholds, where they hold the balance of honor 
amongst the learned. This is the place, if not of the 
goddess Minerva or Apollo, yet the Bethel or temple 
of God himself ; the God of wisdom, where he, as 
chief architect, with his under workmen, form wise 
and learned men, and where you may have them 
wrought off at first hand. Then certainly here we 
are to secure our credulity and confidence in this af- 
fair ; here we are to know w^hether they be of the 
right stamp, yea or no. 

That of all men living, the best and most infallible 
standard for the philosophical accomplishments of 
our candidates, is the judgment of the honorable 
president, and noble fellows of our famous college ; 
for this I am sure must needs stand for a verity, that 
the judgment of a real honest and skilful artificer 
(keeping close to his shop) concerning the nature and 
qualities of an edge-tool which he hath wrought and 
hammered on his own anvil, out of its first rude mat- 
ter, must certainly excel him that hath been long 
from the trade, that only takes it, turns and tries the 
edge slightly, or has but a transient view of it ; so 
that hence we may fairly infer, that (as to human 
learning) Harvard's Commendamus is most valuable 
and sufficient, and justly supplants these testimonials. 



174 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

2. With respect to the more evangelical qualifica- 
tions of the gospel nninistry, we shall be ready to 
honor the sufficiency of the associates, yet must take 
liberty to object a few things. 

(1) Suppose we, that the trial is made per con- 
tionem ad clerum^ by preaching a sermon, in audience 
of the association, and I think this is the way pro- 
posed and generally agreed upon, as the square or 
rule most agreeable with Gunter, to take the dimen- 
sions, length, and breadth of our candidates by. 

Reply 1. What can a sermon do at deciding this 
question ? for that the most sensible and valuable, 
who are usually most humble and tender, are liable 
by this stupendous examination, to be baffled by 
their own temerity, and quite dashed out of counte- 
nance by their own fear. Alas ! upon their first en- 
trance upon the stage, to appear in so august and 
awful a presence, this must needs disanimate and 
put their thoughts into a ruffle, as having in their 
affi'ighted minds the resemblance of their going into 
the Spanish inquisition, rather than dwelling amongst 
the softer measures of the gospel. Luther himself 
(that unparalleled instance of spirit and magnanim- 
ity, as I remember of his life) hardly ever got over 
something of a panic fear attending him through the 
course of his ministry ; and, indeed, men of the quick- 
est senses are most liable to these paroxysms. Then 
surely to put our tyros to this test, which may daunt 
and dispirit the greatest hero, is noways proportion- 
able, especially seeing they may under the inspection 
of learned, honest, and judicious men, both pastors 
and churches, and thereby under covert of more pri- 
vate invitations (with all their natural fear) creep into 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOINa PROPOSALS. 175 

this noble work, and keeping on as their courage and 
strength will bear the journey, may, g-racJa^tm, attain 
a just and sufficient probation, as our learned youth 
have hitherto done. 

Indeed, the bold and brazen who can make a 
greater figure with half the stock, by many shirking 
tricks and dissembling artifices, defended and sup- 
ported wdth confidence and delivery, may obtain the 
euge juve7iis, that they noways deserve, as will be 
found when they come to be detected by a more dil- 
atory search, or a more tedious analysis made of 
them. That, to conclude, as the proverb is, Una 
hirundo non facit ver, — one swallow makes not the 
spring. So in this trial, one good or mean sermon 
cannot determine the man, or umpire his case. 

(2) Suppose the trial must be made and the ques- 
tion determined by a person's conversation. And 
this is a very great article in the state of all servicea- 
ble men, and especially in the ministry. (1 Tim. 4 : 
12. 1 Pet. 5 : 3.) Being en samples to the flock. 
Then certainly a more intimate converse and society 
is a very invincible plea. By the laws and customs 
of England, the vicinage must be allowed, as afford- 
ing the most competent judges, when persons' repu- 
tation lies at stake in criminal cases, because they 
are presumed to know somewhat considerable of 
persons and cases of their own knowledge ; and so 
more capable of giving a just verdict. So in the 
case, w^hat do those persons know of our learned 
youth w^ho make up the association? Our candi- 
dates appear on a certain day as blazing stars once 
in an age, and are gazed on, and then they vanish. 
Now what judgment can be made on a man's con- 



176 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

versation by such a transient view ? unless they must 
be handled in this consistory as persons that have 
been bound to the peace, and in open court are to be 
delivered from their recognizance by three outcries ? 

(3) Suppose the whole stock of ministerial quali- 
fications must be inquired into, and judgment must 
pass by the direction of the apostolic law. (1 Tim. 
3 : 2. Tit. 1 : 6, 9.) Let them be blameless, sober, 
apt to teach, etc., and add what more you please, 
which the Scripture mentions, to fill up the character 
of an evangelical minister, to complete him in all his 
gifts and graces, either in his beginnings or in his 
riper state ; and it is most apparent that our particu- 
lar pastors and churches, with the learning, experi- 
ence, grace, wisdom, and discretion they are owners 
of, can make a more upright, judicious, and solid 
trial, and give better account of our candidates from 
their frequent converse with them, and their occa- 
sional and repeated preaching amongst them than 
the wisest association in the world can do ; and it is 
easier dissembling with the latter than the former, 
unless the association will take them home and both 
winter and summer them. 

Now, then, considering that their degrees with the 
express testimony of the college (when particularly 
desired) are sufficient testimonials of their learning ; 
and the experience of their other good gifts and min- 
isterial qualifications, obtained by converse and their 
occasional preaching, has been the chief test and 
trial for our candidates; and by these methods they 
have been approbated in order to settlement in office- 
trust; and this has been the custom of the country 
and churches for near fourscore years. Wherefore 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 177 

to conclude this argument, I make this proclamation, 
That if any person or persons disaffected with our 
old settlements and way in church conduct, will pro- 
duce one example led into the public ministry by this 
practice, which has justly offended him, and he will 
or can evince this to be the blamable cause, we will 
then surrender the custom to your mercy. 

Secondly. I shall now implead the proposal on a 
just prejudice or presumption of corruption in the 
clergy, though we are in charity for the present, yet 
in this way proposed, we have no assurance for the 
future against the corruptness of such societies ; and 
let any sober man observe, and he will find abun- 
dance of poor tools under the mark of the office, 
where these measures and such like are in force and 
form. How oft is it repeated that poor, sordid, de- 
bauched wretches are put into holy orders, when as 
they were fitter to be put into the stocks or sent to 
bridewell for madmen, than to be sent with their 
testimonials, to work in Christ's vineyard? How 
long have the Indies, the seas, the provinces, and 
many other parts of the empire groaned under this 
damnable way of cheating God of his glory, and the 
world of salvation ? 

Simony we know began almost as early as the 
Christian church, and has prevailed amongst clergy- 
men to a prodigy. The sacred things of God's house 
have been a trade and merchandise which has beg- 
gared churches, and filled the clergy in some king- 
doms with a sacrilegious and exorbitant pile of 
wealth, and the world with a flood of debauchees ; 
and this proposal puts us into the way to open the 
shop windows again, and expose the same wares to 

12 



178 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

sale upon a little indulgence in our country; for who 
can render a reason that the same opportunities, the 
same temptations, the same corruptions, the same 
nature, and the same power, would not produce the 
same efTects ? or that the same climate, seed, ground, 
and manner of culture, should not yield the same 
grain at harvest ? 

And what have we in pledge for our security, more 
than the fallacy and fickleness of human nature, when 
the power is delivered out of our hands ? 

Obj, You may object, that our candidates, through 
their own ambition, and the indulgence of particular 
pastors, thrust themselves into the work too young, 
and this our way will prescribe due boundaries to 
them? 

Afisiu, 1. In general, Paul solves a worse case, 
than can be found (pick whilst you are weary for an 
example to quadrate with the objection^ and render 
it forcible) amongst all our learned youth, who have 
hitherto ventured upon the ministry. (Phil. 1 : 18.) 
What then ? etc., as though he should say, " What 's 
that to you sir?" if Christ be preached, all is well. 
And as to our case, we may say. Despise not the day 
of small things, all men must have a beginning, and 
every bird which is pretty well fledged must begin to 
fly. And ours are not of the nest where Icarus was 
hatched, whose feathers were only glued on; but 
these belong to the angelic host, and their wings 
grow out from their essence ; therefore you may 
allow them, with the lark, now and then to dart 
heavenward, though the shell or down be scarce off 
from their heads. And so we conclude with our 
charitable and divine apostle. " What then ! if 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 179 

Christ be preached, whether in pretence, or in truth, 
either by old or by young, yet therein we do rejoice, 
yea, and will rejoice, etc.," to see our own Nazarites, 
so forward and well-disposed, it shall add to our joy, 
and noways increase our honor, unless our ambition 
should surprise us with fear, that such young stars 
should outshine us. 

2. In particular, where will you fix the quando^ 
and settle the precise era, or period of time, for their 
beginning? 

(1) There is no college or statute law yet enacted, 
to decide this question : then of necessity you must 
do homage to long and laudable custom, as to a 
superior authority, and honorable ruler; and where 
that fixes the time, you must submit; for custom, 
when full of days, and of noble examples, becomes 
the common law of a nation ; and is as sovereign 
and pleadable, as the dictates of a parliamentary 
power; at least it shelters from rebukes and cal- 
umny: that for any gentleman to afiront, talk high 
and frown at the early zeal and beginnings of our 
candidates, is but too much in imitation of the Great 
Mogul of India, who after he hath dined, orders his 
trumpets to be blown, to signify to the princes of the 
earth, that they have liberty now to go to dinner; 
and when he hath finished his formalities, if they 
please, they may veil their royal bonnets, and thank 
him for nothing ; " for where there is no law, there is 
no transgression." 

(2) Under the gospel, we have no precise time, 
though there was under the law, when to begin and 
enter into the ministry, the gospel knows no bar from 
time, where persons are otherways meetly qualified. 



180 THE churches' quarkel espoused. 

Days and qualifications, are divers things, and the 
latter are the essentials of a minister of Christ. It is 
not, how old, but how capable a person is, which is 
the main point to be inquired after here. Therefore 
where (in some good measure) there is an honest 
life, a gracious heart, an orthodox head, and a learned 
tongue, there is no reason to send such youths to 
Jericho, with David's messengers (though their beards 
are not yet grown), to wait upon time and nature, for 
such an accomplishment ; for certainly those recited 
are the principal in the argument. It is a story in 
the history of Persia, " That when the Grecians sent 
some very young noblemen upon an embassage to 
that court, the Persians reflected upon the Grecian 
republic, for sending beardless boys on so grave a 
message to so mighty a monarch." To which the 
young Grecians very smartly answered, " That if 
state policy did consist in beards, then he-goats 
would do for embassadors, as well or better than 
men." I must confess, I am somewhat of their 
mind ; and therefore I think it is not, how long men 
have lived, but how wise they are grown : God hath 
ordained praise out of the mouths of babes. Jere- 
miah pleads, he was a child, but that cannot null his 
commission for the ministry, Jer. 1 : 6. Paul guards 
the ministry of young Timothy, by heaven's author- 
ity, to defend him from censure, for audaciousness. 
What! for a child to teach old men their duty! 
Hold ! says Paul, 1 Tim. 4 : 12, " Let no man de- 
spise thy youth." What, shall not our Lord illus- 
trate his grace and powder in what examples he 
pleases ? Has he not formed all the powers of 
nature ? and does he not furnish them with their dis- 
tinct virtues, etc. 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 181 

Obj, But you may say, days are full of wisdom, 
and youth of ignorance in the great affairs of salva- 
tion. 

Answ. Not always and universally so ; as in the 
examples just now recited, and in many others that 
may be named, called in at the third and sixth hour. 
Matt. XX. But, however, if our candidates muse 
never begin till they are without ignorance, or not 
till they have gained all points [ad unguent) in the 
vast studies of divinity, then it may be said of all our 
ministers, as Queen Elizabeth was wont to say of 
bishops, when she visited the schools (study hard 
children, study hard, for) bishops are old men. So, 
of necessity, all our ministers must be very old men. 
But I think that is more agreeable with our necessity 
and state, both in nature and grace, which one of the 
ancients was wont to say of himself, namely, that 
whilst he studied to teach other men, he learned 
himself. That considering theology, as well as art, 
is a long study, and life is very short, why may they 
not begin young? And also, considering that our 
churches are noways over cluttered with candidates, 
there is no need to serve them as Christ did the 
money-changers, who, w^ith a w^hip of small cords, 
drove them out of the temple ; and especially they 
having hitherto acquitted themselves in the main as 
men that need not be ashamed, and yet never any 
one of them, to this day, has been represented as 
learned or virtuous, or any way supported by these 
testimonials. 



182 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 



SECTION Y. 

That they together be consulted by bereaved 
churches, to recommend to them such persons as 
may be fit to be employed amongst them, for present 
supply, from whom they may in due time proceed to 
choose a pastor. 

Ansiv. According to my apprehension, this pro- 
posal insults very daringly over the churches in two 
things. 

1. By engrossing the right of jurisdiction, not only 
over the visible freedom and liberties, but conjugal 
and secret powers of Christ's virgin and widow 
churches. That it seems to me very advisable (if 
this proposal may stand for a sound precept) that 
forthwith another office be erected, and put into the 
hands and under the government of a few men, 
exactly skilled in physiognomy, and deeply studied 
in the sympathies and antipathies of human nature, 
with an absolute superintending power to control 
and direct all wooers in their choice for the marriage 
bed ; for that there is many a fond lover who has 
betrayed the glory of wedlock, by making an unwise 
and unfortunate choice ; and why may not particular 
beds be overruled, as well as particular churches ? 
both being for the good and service of mankind, and 
for that both parties, husband and wife, pastor and 
church, by our sort of government, are bound for 
term of life, or so long as both shall live. Indeed, 
w^ere our constitution in church order under the 
superintendency of a patron, or a lord bishop, who 
can send (pro tempor^ a curate, etc., and then recall 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 183 

him, and place another in his stead, the project might 
be very advisable ; but seeing these churches are set- 
tled congregational, and by their principles, the ordi- 
nation is, as it were, the nuptials, or marriage day of 
two lovers, that nothing but death, or a bill of 
divorce (for betraying the glory of the union) can 
part; it is then good and reasonable, that they be 
left to choose as they best affect, and not forcibly be 
tied up to a kind of Hobson's choice, one of these 
or none. This apparently puts too hard upon the 
churches' liberties, and overthrows the government; 
for that our platform, in Chap. IL, treating of the 
nature of the churches, asserts, sect. 5, that the 
state of the visible church since the coming of Christ, 
is only congregational; therefore neither national, 
provincial, nor classical; then what does this pro- 
posal do here ? 

Also, our platform asserts the free electing power 
of the churches, Chap. V. In these words, ordinary 
church power is that of privilege, such as belong to 
the brotherhood, whereby they design persons unto 
office. So also in Chap. X. In these words, the 
power granted by Christ unto the body of the church 
and brotherhood is a prerogative or privilege which 
the church doth exercise in the admission of her own 
members, and in choosing their own officers. Now 
if Christ has given these high powers and authorities 
to his churches, he has certainly furnished them with 
skill and wisdom to manage them. 

So we come to the second part of the affi'ont in 
this proposal, and that is, 

2. By its making a plain presumption of inca- 
pacity in the churches of doing their own proper 



184 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

work without their grace's help. It is as much as to 
say, Alas! alas! It is well known that the churches 
are generally a sort of plain men, little skilled in deep 
matters ; that there is apparent danger, if left in their 
elections to their own conduct, of introducing very 
illiterate persons and doleful creatures, to preach in 
the temple of God as officers there. Now this is 
much agreeing with the old arguments against the 
laity, who were described by the learned to be with- 
out the knowledge of the original languages, and 
other parts of polite learning, and so noways fit to 
interpret Scripture ; therefore, it is very rationally 
enacted, that the Bible be taken from them, least 
they should study heresy and not holiness out of that 
divine book. But to pass by all such pleas, I shall 
come to the main point in plain terms, and that is 
this, our platform is our settlement, and it has se- 
cured to the churches these prerogatives, and they 
are part of their entailed inheritance ; and it is a vain 
thing to pretend to plead the incapacity of right 
owners and rich proprietors, especially whilst there is 
a competent set of senses left them. Indeed, when 
any gentleman can show any precept, and produce a 
commission for the taking into their hands the estate 
of idiot-churches, they may then cite their intel- 
lectuals to a proper bar, and verdict going against 
any particular example, they then, ipso facto ^ become 
guardians, and may enter into their worship. But 
in the mean time, as to our own churches, and the 
whole constellations of them, and every individual or 
particular church amongst them remains compos 
mentis^ and therefore must not be intrigued by such 
offers as these are. 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 185 

But yet before I close this argument, I shall a 
little further humor the presumption of insufficiency 
here laid down ; and therefore I shall desire, that a 
survey be made of the state of the churches, and 
if their free election be found for this thirty years last 
past (and we will go no higher), have by the major 
part of voices introduced insufficient officers, then 
let the platform be annulled and the proposal stand 
as a more valid canon. And in this inquiry we 
would know, whether the dictators will give leave 
(in drawing up the catalogue of defective elections), 
that they themselves be put on the back of the title- 
page, and there stand as the errata of our old govern- 
ment? Or whether they themselves are the only 
exceptions ? 

But suppose, when we have accomplished our 
search, we find their own and all other elections for 
the main have hit right ; and if so, then whether we 
ought not to pay a veneration to the practice, as hav- 
ing more of Christ in it than we can in the rufflings 
of ambition presently find out or perceive ? And 
whether after such long experience and good success, 
it may not be our wisdom to keep this via trita^ 
which we have found to be via tuta^ that is to say, 
keep the good old way of our blessed predecessors, 
lest going into a new and untrodden path, we fall 
into some ambuscade, and come off with broken 
bones and ruined churches ? 

Quicquid praecipiti via. 
Certum deserit ordinem 
Laetos non habit exitus. Boetius. 

Kaslily to leave the plain and good old way 
Turns into mournful night, a joyful day. 



186 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 



SECTION VI. 

That hereunto may be referred the direction of 
proceeding in any of their particular churches, about 
the convening of the councils, that shall be thought 
necessary for the welfare of the churches. 

Ansiuer, Query, who must give the direction, and 
judge what councils are necessary for the welfare of 
the churches ? 

Ansiuer. The association. 

Reply. T thought as much ; for the sole and whole 
power is, by these proposals, resigned to them as 
their indisputable and undoubted right, insomuch 
that their beneplacita, the elicit and free resolves of 
their will, shall and must be the absolute and uncon- 
trollable rule of conduct ; that is to say, the churches 
are to be in vassalage, and the association is to rule 
all by prerogative ; so that forever henceforward, we 
may inscribe across the door of the conclave (to no- 
tify the rule of the house) that imperial law, 

Sic volo, sit jubeo, stat pro ratione voluntas. 

We will and doom, none now can us withstand; 
Our will is reason ; for the churches in the land. 

Indeed, when great men turn beggars for small 
booties, with the famous General Baziliareous, it 
signifies the ebb of fortune runs low with them ; but 
when they ask an ancient inheritance upon gift, it 
signifies either the donor to be in a languishing pos- 
ture, and that his estate is like to escheat (to revert) 
to the crown, through failure of natural heirs, or else 
great boldness in the beggars. But what should be 



I 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 187 

the meaning of this demand who can divine ? I hope 
they do not reckon the churches to be making their 
last will, and design them for their heirs. 

The churches in New England are fairly possessed 
of this high prerogative, namely, of convening coun- 
cils necessary for their own well being; they are also 
as likely to continue as they were forty years ago, 
unless their own pastors should betray them. And 
they are also as capable of managing all instruments 
devolved upon them by Christ, as they were in the 
days of their youth. Then what can we make of 
this contrivement, namely, when the churches shall 
have occasion to seek relief by council (as sometimes 
the emperor has been confined at the insolent 
threshold of his holiness, and upon his coming forth 
in his infallibility, this pile of temporal glory has 
been his horseblock, and so here) they must humbly 
wait at the door of the association till they shall be 
informed. When, what, who, and where they shall 
have one. But not to interrupt the world with long 
stories, we must again here demur upon title. 

Section, That the several associations in the coun- 
try maintain a due correspondence with one another. 

Answer, If the Platonic notion concerning the uni- 
versal soul of the world or spirit of nature (whereby 
one body is affected by the operations of another at 
some considerable distance), were established for an 
infallible theorem, and these societies could circulate 
their intelligence by the power and echoes of his 
mighty essence, the design might then be practica- 
ble ; or had we in all corners of our country doves 
trained up to carry mails or packets of letters from 
country to country, there might be some hopes for 



188 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

supporting this mighty correspondence ; but to do it 
wholly by human means, the charge plainly threatens 
to eat out the profit. 

But we may suppose the seat of these things shall 
be universally settled, fully abutting upon the post- 
road, and what a mighty business is a sixpenny or 
fourpenny letter in such a good cause ? Nay, indeed 
that is no great matter in itself, yet these sixpennys 
or fourpennys are like the sand on the sea-shore, a 
great many of them put together grow very heavy, 
especially where wife and children are to be main- 
tained upon 70 or <£80 income per annum. 

Wise men may do as they please, yet for my part 
I can see no good policy in the proposal, unless you 
can court some rich potentate to espouse the cause, 
and sacrifice annually some part of his royal revenue 
to support the phantasy. 

Section, So that the state of religion may be the 
better known and secured in all the churches? 

Ansiver, Religion in its infallible original, the wis- 
dom and authority of God I In its infinite object, the 
ineffable persons and perfections of the divine es- 
sence ; in its means, the gospel of salvation ; in its 
inspired, wakeful, and capacious ministry ; in its 
subject, the inestimable immortal soul of man ; in its 
transcendent effects. (1) In time, the charming 
peace and joys of conscience. (2) In eternity, the 
joyful retreat and shouts of glory, is the most incom- 
parable gift of Paladium, which ever came from 
heaven ; amongst all the favors of the father of lights 
there is none parallel with this ; when disclosed in 
its beauty it ravisheth all the intellects of the uni- 
verse, and challenge may be made, that the preroga- 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 189 

tives and glory belonging to all the crowned heads in 
the world, do bow and wait upon its processions 
through the earth, to guard it from its innumerable 
and inveterate enemies. Yet in paying our venera- 
tion and attendance we must distinguish right, and 
place every thing properly, and the means must be 
proportionate with the end and agreeable in their 
natures ; or otherwise whilst we go about to accom- 
plish a good end, namely, the security of religion by 
improper means, we may lose our attempt and have 
no thanks but be blamed for our pains, for we must 
not do evil that good may come. 

It is certain that the church of Christ is the pillar 
of truth, or sacred recluse and peculiar asylum of 
religion, and this sacred guest, religion, which came 
in the world's infancy from heaven to gratify the soli- 
tudes of miserable man when God had left him, hath 
long kept house with us in this land, to sweeten our 
wilderness state, and the renowned churches here are 
her sacred palaces. Then certainly it is not fair for 
her lovers, under pretence of maintaining her wel- 
come in greater state, to desolate her pleasing habita- 
tions, though they stand somewhat low like the myr- 
tle grove, Zech. 1 : 8, etc. 

Section, And particularly it is thought necessary to 
the well-being of these churches, that all the associa- 
tions in the country meet together, by their respective 
delegates, once in a year. 

Ansio. This is a great thesis, and whoever was the 
father, the womb of it is very fertile, and big with 
articles of moment; it comprehends a large territory, 
and a great treasure, we must therefore survey it by 
cousinography, and then nextly by the laws of the 
church stock. 



190 THE churches' QUARREL ESPOUSED. 

1. The country contained in this proposal, by a 
just consequence, and from the nature of the design, 
must extend so far as we can find any gospel 
churches planted or to be planted within the English 
dominion on the firm land or continent of America; 
there is no restriction made to exclude any, and 
charity is a grace that would have every one virtuous, 
and equally privileged with means for that end; so 
that we may begin our lines of latitude in the south, 
somewhat northward of the capes of Florida, and 
then extend them to the north to some parts of Nova 
Scotia, if not to the bay of St. Lawrence, and from 
those points on to the Atlantic ; we must stretch our 
lines over-thwart, keeping equal longitudes, till we 
meet with other princes' dominions. 

Now this is a noble territory, enough for an empire, 
and all English ; and why may we not be thus exten- 
sive for the good of the churches therein planted? 
Other countries have sent their delegates near as far 
as this comes to, namely, upon the conventions of his 
holiness. But the mischief is, the revenue will not 
hold out. But I have thought of one way, and that 
will do if we can but obtain, though I acknowledge 
it is somewhat chimerical or whimsical ; yet though 
it be, the proposal has no reason to repine or find 
fault, for that it is its near kinsman. 

The project is this, namely : Upon the great settle- 
ments which we hope for between the two crowns, I 
advise that petitions be made (if the articles of settle- 
ment will allow it) that either the rents of Toledo, or 
some good stout gold mine in Peru, be reserved 
wholly to the use of this design, and if you are 
pleased to keep or settle within narrower limits 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 191 

(when we know your territory), we can, by rules of 
proportion and subtraction, compute the charge, and 
if there be any overplus when your own charges are 
defrayed, the rest may be assigned to the next prov- 
ince for such good uses. But, however, let the peti- 
tions go forward, for you will have want enough of 
your share; for I am sure your present supplies are 
not full enough for your daily bread, and these con- 
tingent and unexpected charges, especially seeing 
they were never thought of, or provided for, in your 
first settlements. 



SECTION YII. 

And finally, that ministers disposed to associate 
endeavor, in the most efficacious manner they can, to 
prevail with such ministers as unreasonably neglect 
such meetings with their brethren in their proper 
associations, that they would not expose themselves 
to the inconveniences that such neglects cannot but 
be attended withal. 

Ansicer, This proposal seems to be founded upon 
the Epicurean doctrine of atoms ; for by the scheme 
which atheistical atomists give concerning the begin- 
ning of the world, by their account it was after this 
lucky manner, that is to say, there was before time a 
vast pile of incoherent atoms, which globically hung 
sleeping upon a centre-atom, without the least grain 
of sense, through the vast eternity, a parte ante ; but 
at last, and nobody can tell how, they were inclined 
to throw off* their present posture, but being neither 



192 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

of one form, inclination, nor propension, quickly great 
heaving and shuffling (from various sympathies and 
antipathies) began to be amongst them, that a chaos 
is presently rolled together, and in a little time this 
magnificent and curious world which you look upon 
came out of the horrid womb of this distracted heap 
of atoms, and that without any help from a creating 
power, but by a w^onderful good chance. Thus far 
you have the doctrine of atoms, which I could not 
well avoid, because of so much noble matter preexist- 
ing, and represented in various shapes and forms, 
with a sound of motion, and various sympathies and 
antipathies appearing and represented by the pro- 
posal, but yet can hear of no superintending fiat, or 
any creating voice to overrule or say, " Let it be." 
But only if persons are disposed, or indisposed, the 
business must be managed as wisely as you can ; and 
if it should so chance that some fine thing (never be- 
fore seen in the country) should be made out of these 
materials, without the help of a creating power, the 
world would be a great debtor to the accident ; and 
the churches, may they not be justly stripped of their 
being to make room for it, and maintain it? 

But to be more distinct and somewhat more close 
in my answer, I must remind you that our blessed 
Lord commands us to pray. Matt, vi., " Our father 
which art in heaven," etc. ; " Lead us not into temp- 
tation, but deliver us from evil." And if sincere, he 
hath promised to stablish us, and keep us from evil, 
2 Thess. 3 : 3. From these divine principles, the 
question is, whether those pastors are the stable or 
unstable, the reasonable or unreasonable men, name- 
ly, either those who have promoted this design in 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOIXG PROPOSALS. 193 

the country, or those who have withstood it ? And 
also where has temptation prevailed most ? And to 
put this debate under a brighter light, I will make 
bold to recite a brief history of this matter, till we 
bring you to the nativity of these proposals, and to 
the day wherein they were born, with some present 
improvement of the history. 

About thirty years ago, more or less, there was no 
appearance of the associations of pastors in these 
colonies, and in some parts and places there is none 
yet. But after the country had suffered much in the 
slaughters and depredations committed by the hea- 
then, and by many other afflictions, the neighboring 
ministers in some counties met to pray together, etc., 
and for no other intent that I ever knew or heard of. 
But after they had continued their meetings for some 
years, and others, following the example, began to 
converse together and communicate cases, as best 
suited each person ; and at last, perceiving they were 
almost gotten into a classical form before they thought 
of it, they began to give their meetings the specious 
titles of classes, associations, and ecclesiastical con- 
ventions, etc., as securely as though these titles were 
a fruit growing out of our own constitution, and by 
degrees began to dream that they were really, and cle 
jure, what their new titles and late custom had made 
them only de facto, and time increased their inclina- 
tions and purposes to compass a more formal and 
complete settlement. It is certain their opportunities 
were considerable, the keys of the church treasure 
being put into their hands. The more the main point 
is studied, the more glory appears to feed men's am- 
bition, like the impression by the eye on our great 

13 



194 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

parents in paradise, Gen. 3: 8. The tree was pleasant 
to the eyes, a tree to be desired. Alas ! alas ! empire 
and supreme rule is a glorious thing ! Parcere sub- 
jectis et debellare superbus^ is a very royal business. 
Now this conceit did begin pretty much to predomi- 
nate, especially in some gentlemen that were inclined 
to presbyterian principles, men of worth and learning, 
who, improving their advantages of sense and influ- 
ence to intrigue others of a lower set of intellectuals, 
etc., brought the business so near to a conclusion as 
you find it in the last recited proposal, wherein you 
have the main of this history contained, like Homer's 
lUad, in a nut-shell. But to make short, and con- 
clude my story. When they had thus far advanced 
and ripened their design, out comes these proposals, 
like Aaron's golden calf, the fifth day of November, 
1705. 

Thus you have a short account how things have 
been carried on relating to associations ; and having 
a convenient crisis, I shall improve the history, to 
promote my present design, in a few particulars. 

1. By considering the present duty of our erring 
pastors. 

2. The justice to be done on these proposals. 

3. Make some small astrological remarks relating 
to the date, which the clew of our history has brought 
us to. 

(1) As to the duty of such as are involved in the 
charge, whether or no (upon a presumption that this 
history be true) they ought not to cease exciting 
others to wander from their proper post, and they 
themselves (if not by the open acts of the churches' 
authority, yet) by the good government of their own 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 195 

wisdom, prudence, and grace, be remanded within 
their proper boundaries, and there continue as stars 
within their own orbs, to influence and act, tam in 
modis quam in staiis, quo prius, according to the for- 
mer usage, and the nature of their trust, and no more 
go beyond their own line. (2 Cor. 10 : 16.) 

(2) Whether these proposals here offered to view, 
be not like Aaron's golden calf? And whether they 
ought not to be served as Moses dealt with that 
(Exod. 32 : 20.), when he took it and burnt it in the 
fire, and ground it to powder ; for that it is very evi- 
dent, that though it be but a calf now, yet in time it 
may grow (being of a thrifty nature) to become a 
sturdy ox that will know no whoa, and it may be 
past the church's skill then to subdue it. 

For if I am not much mistaken (and Parens too) 
that great and terrible beast with seven heads and 
ten horns, described in Revelations xiii., was noth- 
ing else a few ages ago but just such another calf as 
this is. It was, indeed, finely shaped and of neat 
limbs, when it was first calved, insomuch that the 
great potentates of the earth were much ravished 
with its aspect and features ; some offered to suckle 
it on the choicest cows amongst all the herds of royal 
cattle (that it might be large), hoping to stock their 
own countries with the breed, and when it was 
grown to a considerable magnitude, to render it more 
shapely and fair, they put iron tips on its horns, and 
beset its stupendous bulk with very rich ornaments, 
that they might make it the more awing to all be- 
holders, and, if possible, by such artifices to add to the 
natural pride and choler of the creature. 

But alas, poor men ! they have paid dear for their 



196 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

prodigality and fondness ; for this very creature that 
was but a calf when they first began to feed it, is 
now grown to be such a mad, furious, and wild bull, 
that there is scarce a Christian monarch on earth, 
unless the great Anne, their Swedish and Prussian 
majesties, and their high mightinesses, with this ex- 
ception, there is scarce a potentate in the world, the 
best horseman or huntsman of them all, that dare 
take this beast by the horns when he begins to bounce 
and bellow. Indeed, the emperor within these few 
years has recovered so much courage, that he took 
him by the tail, to drive him out of his royal granges, 
being quite angry and weary with his cropping and 
brousing on the flowers of his imperial crown. But 
otherwise the beast generally goes at large and does 
what he will in all princes' dominions, and keeps 
them in awe. Therefore, to conclude, and infer, 
obsta principiis ! It is wisdom to nip such growths 
in the bud, and keep down by early slaughter such a 
breed of cattle. Nam omne malum nascens facile op- 
primitur. 

(3) In all the astrological remarks I have made, 
I find its nativity full of favorable aspects to English 
churches. The fifth day of November has been as a 
guardian angel to the most sacred interest of the em- 
pire. It has rescued the whole glory of church and 
state, from the most fatal arrest of hell and Rome. 
That had I been of the cabal, or combination, which 
formed these proposals, so soon as I had seen and 
perceived the date (as I imagine), my heart with 
king David's, would have smote me, and I should 
have cried out, Misei^ere nostri Deus, — the good 
Lord have mercy upon us. This is the gunpowder- 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOINa PROPOSALS. 197 

treason day, and we are every man ruined, being run- 
ning Faux's fate ! Why, gentlemen ! have you for- 
got it ? It is the day of the gunpowder-treason, and 
a fatal day to traitors. 

Our measures certainly intend the blowing up the 
churches, as Faux's did the parliament ; that for my 
own part, I have such an awe upon my mind of this 
very day, that I have made a settled resolution, that 
of all the days of the whole year, I will never con- 
spire treason against my natural prince, nor mischief 
to the churches on the fifth day of November. 

And so farewell, gentlemen, for I dare not join 
with you in this conspiracy. 



PART II. 



SECTION I. 



That these associated pastors with a proper num- 
ber of delegates from their several churches, be 
formed into a standing and stated council, which 
shall consult, advise, and determine all affairs that 
shall be proper matter for the consideration of an ec- 
clesiastical council within their respective limits, ex- 
cept always the cases are such as the associated 
pastors judge more convenient to fall under the cog- 
nizance of other council. 

Ansicer. Seeing it is the first time we have in 
these proposals heard of a standing council for these 
churches, and though the whole doctrine of it is not 



198 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

precisely or in terms contained in this section, yet 
that we may pass over what remains more briefly, 
when I come upon each following section, I will, 
therefore, make a stop here, and discourse this sub- 
ject in its several distinct branches, and make but 
one work of it ; and I shall thus methodize the busi- 
ness. 

1. I shall observe the seeming favor to the lay del- 
egates here offered to them in this proposal. 

2. Survey the nature of the council. 

3. Inquire into its original. 

4. Take an account of the work which is assigned 
it. 

5. View the time appointed, certain and uncer- 
tain. 

6. Inquire for the place where it is to meet. 

7. And lastly, discourse its maintenance. 

1. We must observe the seeming favor the lay 
delegates or fraternity of the churches are treated 
with in this proposal; for at the first tender, they 
seem very honorable to be invited into the associa- 
tion, as though they were to be established members 
of this council ; and were to be equal sharers in the 
authority and government in it ; yet do but mind the 
connection of both parts of the proposition, and you 
will find there is nothing of this nature intended for 
them. But only by a specious show, they are invited 
to establish the associations on their tottering basis, 
and that is soon done, if all parties are agreed ; and 
from the fraternity, there is no need of any more for- 
malities, than paying homage to their authority by 
this act of submission and obedience here proposed ; 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 199 

and so soon as this is done, you shall find the fra- 
ternity very fairly released at the door of the sessions, 
every man repairing to his own home. It is an ob- 
servation, on the monarchy of bees, that the drones 
formerly supposed to be not only a lumpish, but a 
useless bee, yet it is of that nature, and so essential 
a member of that commonwealth, that it is really the 
male bee, and does impregnate the females, who are 
the sole laborers in that kingdom, but when that 
crisis is over, the poor drones are by common con- 
sent banished, as a great incumberment. So in our 
case, alas ! what can be expected when the lay dele- 
gates have done the former job, but that they shall 
be laid by, for their wisdom and capacity is noways 
admired in these proposals. And it has always been 
found that the laity are a clog to clergymen when 
they begin to soar aloft, or above their former sphere ; 
and if you will but view the proposal again, in the 
hindermost part of it you will see a back door very 
artificially finished and left upon latch, for their exe- 
cution ; for though they are called to be members of 
the council in the first part of the proposal, yet by 
exception made in the last part, they are to sit upon 
no case but what the associates please ; and seeing 
it is at their disposal, you may rationally and forcibly 
conclude, that those who have made it their business 
to unpin the whole tabernacle, and have but this 
chore to do, and then all is their own, will now finish 
their work with a wet finger, upon the aforesaid com- 
pliance. For you must note that after they have ad- 
mitted the brethren and viewed the certificates of 
election from the several churches, containing some 
congratulatory compliments, to honor the new con- 



200 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

stitvition and government, as is usual in all states, 
and having also treated the delegates with the civil- 
ities of the house, and also with a long and tedious 
harangue of the mighty blessing these new settle- 
ments plainly predict and promise the country, etc., the 
delegates are then advised, there is no case at present 
depending fit for their cognizance, but what are upon 
file, the associates have already considered about it, 
and referred to some other council best known to 
their graces. And so, good brethren, you are now 
with many thanks for your obedient attendance, re- 
leased till latter lammas, or till the Greek calands 
come about 

And here we may dig a grave to bury all our an- 
cient privileges in, and hang our harps upon the wil- 
lows, and when we are thus wasted, should you call 
us in once more to sing one of the songs of Zion, all 
our notes must be elegie et de tristibus^ yet the broken 
accents and lowly murmurs of our sorrow will serve 
for elahs and sweet diapasons, in your conquering 
song of triumph. 

2. We must next survey the nature of the coun- 
cil, which cannot be sooner, and with better advan- 
tage (to represent the true idea of it to every man's 
understanding) than in a brief definition, thus, the 
council is to be standing and stated, to meet once in 
the year at the least, and at other times as each asso- 
ciation shall please to determine, to inquire into the 
condition of the churches, and advise such things 
as may be for the advantage of our holy religion. 
Thus you have the nature of it laid out in terms very 
concisely. 

But if a longer description, according to the genu- 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 201 

ine sense of expressions in the proposals, will better 
suit you J and give a better impression of its nature 
upon your thoughts, we may then describe it thus : 

It is a council of human invention, stated and 
settled to convene once in the year, yearly, during the 
revolution of the heavenly bodies, and at other cer- 
tain times of the year, so as to keep its course par- 
allel with our high and superior sessions of the peace, 
if the creators please ; and to consult, advise, and 
determine all affairs within the reach of ecclesiastical 
councils, and especially, etc. 

And thus, we being a people swimming in such 
plenty, that all our chargeable measures, both do- 
mestic in our private families and public in church 
and commonwealth, being not near sufficient to take 
off our waste and superfluous streams, and our riches 
and stores so plainly overloading us, we have here 
formed a creature that will help to sup up all, and 
feeding upon our full baskets, we shall find, that the 
further we go with ^sop's load the lighter we shall 
grow ; then who wdll not admire the wisdom of the 
invention ? 

3. Oar next task is to examine the original of this 
council, which inquiry may be resolved into this dis- 
junct proposition, namely, this council in the result of 
the will, obeying the understanding in its last dic- 
tates, erring or not erring. 

The question being thus stated, it is at every man's 
liberty to take the part in the disjunction which best 
likes him. I suppose the proposal arrested and 
brought to trial will plead not erring, or not guilty, 
as is usual with all criminals when indicted ; and 
therefore, seeing you expect to be cleared by the jury, 



202 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

you must give us an honest account who set you on 
work, and what rule you were guided by to assure 
us that your intellectual powers were free from error 
in forming this council, and we will give you room 
enough in your own defence. For, 

(1) If you can produce evidence from the canon of 
Scripture in express terms, or by sound consequence, 
and prove New England churches are obliged to 
form a standing and stated council, or that you are 
to do it for them, etc., we will submit. But no such 
canon can be found. The proposals then incur a 
heavy premunire for making so bold with a settled 
government, and no text to warrant the attempt. 

(2) Is it by any authority, derived from the civil 
government of the country, by law or practice, that 
this council is here erected ? 

1st. By law, if there be any such law, you have 
liberty to plead it in your own defence. 

2d. By practice, has the civil government ever set 
such an example ? Have they ever entrenched upon 
the privileges of the churches in the least degree ? 
And in their own orb, are they not more exemplary? 
Do not all men keep to commission ? Are they not 
curious in maintaining all settled forms, as the limits 
and boundaries of all men's actions and interests ? 
Nay, is not the exalted head of this body politic in 
his w^hole ministry, careful to steer all his actions by 
his commission, and the precept of law ? Is not the 
least error (though made by jealousy, and not found 
in reality) that looks but like an arbitrary action 
presently drawn into complaint, as a great grievance 
and common nuisance ? If it be but in dream that 
the exchequer appears touched, without a precept, or 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 203 

the wings of our civil liberties clipped, or so much as 
a feather be plucked from them, is not the country 
here and the court at home filled with complaints? 
What means all this ? And yet must these churches, 
formed by principles of piety and honor, and under 
the steerage of a wise and just government, bear 
whole cart-loads of injuries, and have all their liber- 
ties violated ? And at last have a stated anti-christian 
arbitrary council, that can cut their throats for all the 
wise regulation that is in it, be thrust in upon them 
and both Scripture and the wise fathers of the com- 
monwealth, no patrons to it ? And what, must we 
swallow all this ? This must needs be a very heavy 
meal to digest ? 

Ut opes et lamentabile regnum -7- eruerint ? 

They spoil our kingdom, and our courage dash, 
They take our wealth, and leave us nought but trash. 

3d. Is there any certificate, order, or vote, from the 
churches, as the womb of this council ? If there be, 
the proposals shall then pass for the innocent midwife, 
and no harm shall come. But, alas ! If we search all 
church records, the pursuit is blank. Therefore it 
must stand for a daring intrusion upon the churches' 
power of privilege. 

It is and will be acknowledged, with great justice 
and satisfaction, that the pastors of the churches are 
in a high station, as they represent the great shep- 
herd, and their trust is noble and great. They are 
rulers, and to conduct all transactions, etc., but yet 
must never infringe the churches' power of privilege 
in any branch of it? It becomes the holiness, wis- 
dom, and honor of the ruling officers at a crisis when 



204 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

the churches are in exercise of this power, not to 
allow themselves to dictate too imperiously. They 
must never, indeed, in all their ministration, talk 
with such an elevated language as in the third sec- 
tion of the second part, in these words, namely, that 
each church choose and depute one or more (private 
members) to attend their pastor in their stated ses- 
sion, etc., as though the high commission court was 
returned from exile and now opened, and some of 
your graces were to be lord chancellor. This plainly 
carrieth too high a crest. What ! to consider your- 
selves as a distinct estate from the churches, and to 
send out of your higher house your orders to be 
obeyed in the lower house, etc. ? But, I say, this is 
not right, for in concerning and calling of councils 
the churches are your superiors ; and upon a severe 
interpretation of their canons, they may, if they 
please, leave you at home. For though you have 
been elected once into office, yet in the exercise of 
this their power, you stand but competitors with 
other principal persons, for their choice and election, 
to determine you members of an ecclesiastical coun- 
cil. Possibly this doctrine may seem to be but a 
very crude dose. But yet I assure you, it is appro- 
bated by a college of very able and learned physi- 
cians ; and I hand it to you as I find it made up in 
the churches' chest of medicines. Platform, chap. 16, 
sect. 2. The efficient cause of ecclesiastical councils, 
or synodical assemblies, next under Christ, is the 
power of the churches sending forth their elders and 
other messengers, etc., sect. 3 ; magistrates have 
power to call a synod, by calling to the churches to 
send forth their elders and messengers, etc., for the 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 205 

constituting of a synod is a church act, sect. 6 ; be- 
cause none are or should be more fit to know the 
state of the churches, nor to advise of ways, etc. 
Therefore it is fit, that in the choice of the messen- 
gers for such assembhes, they have special respect 
unto such, namely, elders. That certainly if you ex- 
pect your council shall escape condemnation, you 
must then produce the probatum est of the churches, 
or else it. perishes under this trial. 

4. Can you show any patent for the imperial 
chamber of our mighty monarch, to take into your 
hands (that you may new model) these churches (the 
royal demesnes of Christ Jesus, the prince of peace) 
as an escheat to the crown ? Or have you commis- 
sion with instructions from thence to erect within 
the province, such costly and formidable assemblies 
as are here projected ? Nay, if you can find or pick 
up amongst the old statutes, that are not quite worn 
out, or produce one venerable precept or example 
throughout the whole English empire, for the govern- 
ment of church or state therein ; we will state your 
case, and grant you one imparlance (with due time) 
if you can make any reasonable presumption, it may 
be had for your justification ; and in the mean time, 
I shall venture to recite a few principles of the Eng- 
lish government, that are like the vena cava^ or great 
arteries in nature, which circulate the blood and 
spirits through the imperial body ; and if they do not 
all with a joint voice (like a jury in their return, 
where no man dissents), condemn your council and 
whole scheme, you shall still have a jail delivery and 
be set free. 

Principle I. There is no one of the three estates of 



206 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

the empire can make a valid act to bind the subject, 
or institute any new forms of government. 

It is certain the Parliament, that supreme court, by 
an united voice, is very transcendent ; it makes null, 
enacts, and abrogates all laws, statutes, and ordi- 
nances concerning matters ecclesiastical, civil, mar- 
tial, maritime, etc. Therefore all acts, institutions, 
creations of trust, corporations, and offices, either 
originally and immediately, or by a fair consequence, 
derive from this fountain the imperial crown, enriched 
with many prerogatives, and adorned with many 
ample flowers ; they were there planted by the cre- 
ating power of the nation, and no English monarch 
can at pleasure enlarge that garden with a new spe- 
cies. That to meet with such things as these now 
under debate within an English province, etc. 

Query, Whether they are enacted by single men, 
or small factions, or by the united voice of the king- 
dom ? If not by the latter, they must die traitors to 
the empire, as transgressing against the essentials of 
its constitution, and liberty of conscience is no city 
of refus^e here. 

Principle II. All Englishmen are privileged by and 
strictly bound to the law; that is the fruitful reason 
of all good, and rule of duty. To be bound to the 
peace, or the good behavior, is to be bound to the 
law, that is every man's master and guide. 

Query, Whether these proposals, and this council, 
have not put a slight upon this dominion ? 

Principle III. The vengeance or vindictive justice 
of the nation flames (in the sanction of the law) 
against all transgressors. 

Every one that breaks the law breaks from the rule 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 207 

of his duty and trust, and in a degree violates the 
power of the nation, and usurps the whole legislation ; 
therefore, in the execution of these direful sanctions 
and penalties affixed to the statutes, the omnipotent 
power of the nation revenges the glory of its own 
independence and unaccountableness upon its inso- 
lent subjects, according to that, Gen. 2 : 17, " In the 
day thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die." There- 
fore 1 may say to this council, memento mori. 

Principle IV. Every great person is under the aw^e 
of the law, either as directive or coercive. 

It is the saying of those who are skilled in the law, 
that reg- in 7'egno siio, siiperiores habet^ beum et le- 
gem ; the king has in his realm tw^o superiors, God 
* and the Law, though he is only under the directive ; 
but all his great subjects are under the coercive power 
of it. The nobles and great ministers in church and 
state look upon the law as the watchful eye of some 
direful numen. The superior clergymen, the great 
bishops of the kingdom, though they appear masters 
of such prerogatives, yet they have nothing but what 
they derive from the law ; and the laws are their 
boundaries, saying, " Hitherto ye shall go, and no fur- 
ther at your peril." That those great men might as 
well have undertaken with Archimides, to have re- 
moved the earthly globe (upon condition) as to have 
done such a thing as this. What ! to alter the con- 
stitution of church government, which is established 
by the statute and canon law of church and nation? 
This is to blow^ up the kingdom. Ergo, put out your 
matches, and dissolve your trains. 

Principle V. All Englishmen live and die by laws 
of their own making. That they are never pleased 
with upstart law-makers. 



208 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

Principle VL That English government and law 
is a charter-party settled by mutual compact between 
persons of all degrees in the nation, and no man must 
start from it at his peril. 

Query, Whether these proposals have kept to the 
articles of this great covenant ? 

Principle VII. Englishmen hate an arbitrary power 
(politically considered) as they hate the devil. 

For that they have, through immemorial ages, been 
the owners of very fair enfranchisements and liber- 
ties, that the sense, savor, or high esteem of them are 
(as it were) extraduce^ transmitted with the elemen- 
tal materials of their essence from generation to gen- 
eration, and so ingenate and mixed with their frame, 
that no artifice, craft, or force used, can root it out. 
Naturam expellas furca licet usque recurrit And 
though many of their incautelous princes have en- 
deavored to null all their charter rights and immuni- 
ties, and aggrandize themselves in the servile state of 
the subjects, by setting up their own separate will 
for the great standard of government over the nations, 
yet they have all along paid dear for their attempts, 
both in the ruin of the nation, and in interrupting the 
increase of their own grandeur and their foreign set- 
tlements and conquests. 

Had the late reigns, before the accession of the 
great William and Mary to the throne of England, 
but taken the measures of them, and her present ma- 
jesty, in depressing vice and advancing the union and 
wealth, and encouraging the prowess and bravery of 
the nation, they might by this time have been capa- 
ble to have given laws to any monarch on earth ; but 
spending their time in the pursuit of an absolute 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOIISra PROPOSALS. 209 

monarchy (contrary to the temper of the nation and 
the ancient constitution or the government) through 
all the meanders of state craft, it has apparently kept 
back the glory and damped all the most noble affairs 
of the nation. And when, under the midwifery of 
Machiavilian art and cunning of a daring prince, this 
monster, tyranny and arbitrary government, was at 
last just born, upon the holding up of a finger, or 
upon the least signal given, on the whole nation goes 
upon this hydra. 

The very name of an arbitrary government is ready 
to put an Englishman's blood into a fermentation ; 
but when it really comes and shakes its w^hip over 
their ears, and tells them it is their master, it makes 
them stark mad ; and being of a mimical genius, and 
inclined to follow the court mode, they turn arbitrary 
too. 

That some waiters, who have observed the govern- 
ments and humors of nations, thus distinguish the 
English. 

The emperoi; (they say) is the king of kings, the 
king of Spain is the king of men, the king of France 
the king of asses, and the king of England the king 
of devils ; for that the English nation can never be 
bridled and ridden by an arbitrary prince. Neither 
can any chains put on by despotic and arbitrary 
measures hold these legions. That to conclude this 
plea, I find not amongst all the catalogues of heroes 
or worthy things in the English empire, peers to these 
undertakers; therefore we must needs range them 
with the arbitrary princes of the earth (such as the 
great Czar or Ottoman monarch), who have no other 
rule to govern by but their own will. And therefore, 

14 



210 THE churches' quakrel espoused. 

under this branch of our discourse and their arbitrary 
measures, I shall venture to annex the following the- 
ses, as conclusions fairly deduced from the premises, 
and leave them to consideration. 

Thesis 1. They have out-kinged all kings on earth 
whose prerogatives are bounded, and their kingdoms 
governed by law. 

Thesis 2. They have out-bishoped all the bishops 
of Great Britain, whilst they themselves have acted 
with such lawless liberty, and left the bishops fettered 
in the statutes. 

Thesis 3. They have out-poped the pope himself, 
who is head of an hierarchy, supported by certain 
laws, acts, and ordinances, for the maintaining an 
harmony or union between head and members. So 
in the next place, 

4. We come to survey the work cut out for this 
council. 

Cato, that great and grave philosopher, did com- 
monly demand (when any new project was propound- 
ed unto him), Cai bono? or what good was like to 
ensue ? Now in this present business, the definition 
pretends to make a satisfactory answer to such a 
question, namely, in the employment of this annual 
council ; and that is to inquire into the condition of 
the churches, and advise such things as may be for 
the advantage of our holy religion. 

It is certain, considering the nature of the creature 
here formed, there had need be some Herculean labor 
assigned. Those who are purveyors, and must provide 
quarters, will find it very chargeable, that it had need 
do very extraordinary business. As once King James 
the First said to a big-limbed country fellow who 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 211 

came to court to be a porter; some that knew him 
told the king how many bowls full and quarters of 
mutton he would eat at a meal ; says the king to the 
fellow, " You, sirrah, that eat so much more than 
other men, if you cannot do so much more work than 
other men, by my soul (says the king) I'll hang you." 
So here, there had need go a handsome stock of 
small cattle, and other expenses, to maintain one ses- 
sions ; that if it has confidence to meet, and is treated 
with an ordinary allowance, if it cannot do abun- 
dance of work, it will be waste charges and great 
incumberment. 

Now, if this be all that is here proposed (in my 
opinion) the creators are very defective in their pro- 
portions ; for though the work mentioned is in itself 
good work ; but it is all done already to their hands, 
there is nothing of this nature neglected in New 
England churches ; at the least, no means or meth- 
ods wanted ; but as God says, Jer. 5:4, " "What 
could have been done more for my vineyard, that I 
have not done in it:" may properly be applied to 
the churches here, and all for the advantage and 
good of our holy religion ; that, in a word, there is 
no want in this country, unless it be the want of 
good and honest hearts ; and I suppose you have 
none of those to bequeathe, Matt. 25 : 9. Upon the 
first view of this stupendous business, I was ready 
to fancy, whether or no you had dreamed of, or seen 
King Henry the Eighth coming with his old case 
and question, which involved the pope, his conclave, 
and all the academies in Europe, and whether you 
were getting a mighty casuist ready, to take the 
king's conscience into consideration ? Or, whether 



212 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

you had news of the old Arian war, its breaking out 
again, that you should in such haste (without citing 
other estates for the defence of the kingdom, but only 
by virtue of your prerogative), run up such a formi- 
dable and costly redoubt? But if it be all come to 
this, and there is no more to do ; than what every 
pious and wise man does every day, every week, and 
every session, it is even another fit or paroxysm of 
the mountains bringing forth, as the poet says. Par- 
turiunt monies^ &c. 

But to humor what would seem serious in the pro- 
posal, I shall consider both parts of the work dis- 
tinctly. 

The first is, to inquire into the condition of the 
churches ? 

Ansiv. Now whether this precept, so full of sweat 
and servitude, may not vie it for merit, as equal in 
pains with any of the great prelates in Europe, in 
their laborious visitations ; who v/hen they come into 
some capital town in the other part of their diocess, 
and being treated with the solemn formalities of 
sumptuous feasts by the nobility and gentry in the 
neighborhood, and having spent the biggest part of 
their pastoral visit in glutting themselves with honor 
and full tables ; at last begin the other part of their 
work, and inquire (possibly) how many parishes in 
this great town, and whether there be any chirur- 
geons, physicians, or schoolmasters, that do good to 
their neighbors without license ? Or, whether there 
be any new Golgothas to be dedicated, for the securer 
retreat of the dead to that place? Or, whether the 
parish curates read service well, and observe to time 
their particular lessons, with the canonical days? 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 213 

And, especially, whether the bells are kept in good 
order ? All which makes up a noble piece of service, 
to requite a crown or kingdom for the revenues of a 
barony ! And, whether it may be thought, that our 
great and yearly council, will come a whit behind 
the aforesaid ministry in the first or last part of ser- 
vice mentioned ? And whether if they do but equal 
them, we may not be thought to have made a wise 
settlement? But notwithstanding we shall grant, 
the proposal makes mention of a Christian duty ; for 
that it becomes all men who bear a love to Christ, to 
inquire into the state of his churches, both for the 
manifesting their love to men, and directing their 
prayers and gratitude to God. Therefore, 

(1) As to their outward and temporal state, we 
may inform ourselves, by virtue of neighborhood, by 
Christian travellers, and public letters of intelligence : 
and thus we may rationally, and with very good 
moral certainty know the state of the churches, both 
in other countries and our own ; and thus good Ne- 
hemiah informs himself at Shushan, how it fared with 
his brethren at Jerusalem, Neh. 1 : 2, 3. 

(2) As to their moral state (which consists in their 
profession, faith, manner of worship, discipline and 
conversation) this is discovered particularly, by their 
directories, confessions of faith, platforms, rubric, 
liturgies, and other canonical systems, made public 
for that end, etc. And considering, that whatever of 
this nature is necessary for the advance of religion, is 
well adjusted in this country, it must needs be but a 
vain repetition, or senseless tautology for a council 
to meet yearly or quarterly for this end, namely, to 
inquire what news, or whether New England's con- 



214 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

fession of faith is the same this year, as it was last ? 
Or whether all the churches, their manner of wor- 
ship, is this sabbath as it was the other ? And as to 
their conversation (which may seem to lie most out 
of sight) sufficient provision made by the principles 
of our wise platform (for upholding the communion 
of churches) for our inquiry and information here 
also. And thus we come to the other part of this 
good work, namely, 

2d. To advise such things as may be for the advan- 
tage of our holy religion. 

Answ. Query, whether or no there be not pub- 
lished weekly from the oracles of God (and that with 
great soundness and zeal) more truth in a day than 
all New England can practise in a long time after? 
And whether all the churches and the whole land are 
not honored and addressed, from week to week, in 
such measures by infallible truth, if not by infallible 
men? Or whether or no these methods do not 
divulge the whole mind of God to each plantation ? 
Or, whether these gentlemen have any secrets of wis- 
dom, not yet made known ? Or whether they intend 
to serve the churches, as some great philosophers and 
profound artists in medicine serve the world, namely, 
such who carry some great inestimable catholicon to 
the grave with them? And whether they will be 
thus hard-hearted in religion, as the other are in phi- 
losophy, unless we will gratify them with this piece 
of prodigality here exacted? I must acknowledge I 
have little patience towards these things, that under 
such a spacious show and pretence, such a direful 
catastrophe should be shrouded ! I must needs say, 
it is plainly some of Joab's friendship, when he spake 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 215 

quietly and peaceably to Abner, smiled in his face, 
as his friend, but stabbed hinri to the heart, under the 
fifth rib, that he dropped and died. 

But, however, I shall endeavor, to rescue myself 
from all impatience, and with deliberation sum up 
my answer, in an appeal to your own reasons con- 
cerning those several created trusts, which God has 
established, and clothed with his own authority, every 
one of which is acted with great vigor, and success ; 
and whether you think you can do more than all 
these for religion ? Or prescribe something new 
which they never thought o£ As 

First. Civil authority, in two great branches. 

(1) Legislative power (that civil omnipotence) is 
doing very great things for religion, by their procla- 
mations, and all penal laws enacted for the crushing 
of immorality and vice, and all their wise and exact 
precepts for the support of justice and piety. They 
are opening many civil channels, whereby they are 
conveying judgment, justice, and righteousness down 
our streets, from the great fountain. Nay, this great 
and dread assembly puts awe upon all mankind. 
And the more daring and desperate are kept within 
compass, from a sense of this most terrible seat of 
thunder hanging over their heads, and upon every 
affront ready to break in strokes of vengeance and 
woes upon them, especially if they grow beyond the 
reach of common law. And in ordinary cases. 

(2) The executive power, or ministers of the law, 
are like a standing camp to awe, and a flying army 
to beat off the enemy ; they have their spies and 
scouts out in every quarter to observe his motions, 
and break his measures, namely in the innumera- 



216 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

ble numbers of all sorts of civil officers ; and thus by 
the sword of justice they hunt down sin, and impiety 
in the land. They are a terror to evil men, and a 
praise to them that do well; for the civil authority, 
by their wise and just precepts, their personal and 
noble examples and zealous administrations, outdo 
Plato himself with all his moral reasons ; for they 
can turn a Sodom into a Sion, and keep Sion to be 
Sion evident by the history and chronicles of several 
governments of God's ancient people. Nam regis ad 
exemplum totus componitur orbis. For chief rulers, 
by their good or bad measures, can make or mar, 
kill or cure a nation, in a moral sense. 

2. The churches. 

View once more, from some lofty promonotory or 
Pisgah, those goodly tents and tabernacles of Israel ! 
Listen! Is not God with them, and the shout of a 
king amongst them ? Are they not as valleys spread 
forth, and as gardens by the river's side, which the 
Lord hath planted ? And yet, notwithstanding, may 
we, must we under your conduct, break up their 
fences, to give them to another sort of culture? 
Nay, consider well ! Are not the flowers better wed, 
and the weeds more kept down, than in most of the 
enclosures in the world, belonging to the great hus- 
bandman ? And may you not (in reckoning up of 
means) allow us peculiarly to ascribe to their govern- 
ment, and other of their measures agreeing with the 
nature of it in dressing the ground ? But I will not 
enlarge this head ; it is obvious enough from their 
ministry, from their faith, their discipline and conver- 
sations. 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 217 



3. The nurseries of learning. 

(1) The inferior schools, where the leaven is laid 
hid and kneaded in the soft dough ; et emollit viores^ 
nee sinit esse feros^ etc. 

(2) The college (that artillery garden from whence 
we receive our most expert soldiers of Christ, and 
whence Christ's troops are supplied with chief com- 
manders, who lead on to storm the strongholds of the 
common enemy, and secure our great ally, religion), 
this is the seminary of learning and virtue, and the 
success is almost a miracle, unless for humiliation we 
must secrete the great grace and gifts of God which 
flow from that fountain, and are dispersed through 
the land. 

Query, Were a council called of all the learned 
heads of the whole universe, could they dictate better 
laws, and advise better measures for the acquirement 
of learning, the increase of virtue and good religion, 
than are in that royal province ? 

4. The families of the country with their economy 
and family religion ; if we take a survey of the whole 
land we shall find religion placed in the body politic, 
as the soul in the body natural. Nam est totaanima, 
in toto corpore^ et tota in qualibet parte^ — that is, the 
whole soul is in the whole body, and whole in every 
part. That were any other part of the body organ- 
ized besides the head, it would be capable to exercise 
reason, etc. So religion is placed and exercised in 
its principles, virtues, and governments through the 
families of the country, so many families so many 
little sanctuaries. 



218 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

I do acknowledge there is no general rule but has 
its exceptions ; but under this caution I may affirm, 
there is no such spot of earth in the earthly globe so 
belabored with family devotion, reading God's word, 
catechizing and well-instructing youth with neat and 
virtuous examples, and divine prayers, non ex codice^ 
sed ex corde^ — not out of books, but out of hearts, 
the solemnizing sabbaths, and family attendance 
on public means as is New England. And if 
so, then what need have we of this late invention ? 
Therefore to conclude, I shall, for my part, with the 
jealous Lacoon, enter a caution against taking down 
the sides of the city, or opening the walls of our Sion 
to let in this Trojan horse ; and let all Israel say, 
amen ! For, blessed be God, though we w^ant to 
have our hearts renewed daily, but as for means, 
though we have no glut, we have plenty enough, and 
want no new institutions. 

5. We come now to measure, and find out the time 
appointed for the council. 

1. Certain^ namely, once in the year, at the least, 
all the associations in the country, and according to 
the most plausible interpretation of the proposals, one 
or more lay delegates shall join and meet yearly and 
every year in the great assemblies. 

Answer. As Austin says of time. Vivo in tempore^ 
loquor de tempore^ sed nescio quid sit tempus, — I live 
in time, I speak of time, but yet I know not what 
time is. So I do imagine the dictators did not w^ell 
weigh time by exact balance, in all its contents, sense, 
and meaning, when they carved out such a large 
portion to this illegal claimer. Time is justly es- 
teemed precious, in relation to heaven and grace, and 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 219 

also very valuable with respect to the interest of na- 
ture and this life. Therefore, care should be had 
that it be not squandered away wastefully. Our nat- 
ural lives, healths, and honor, families and estates are 
all very significant and costly things, and their de- 
pendence is much on the well husbanding of time, 
insomuch that in hard and penurious climates, the 
inhabitants had need be very saving of time for the 
support of all these great interests, and especially, 
seeing there is so much time already set off for re- 
ligion. 

As, 1st. The seventh part of time is assigned by the 
wise author of time, and that well improved, will do 
much for the support of religion. 

2d. There are great proportions (out of the time left 
to our disposal) frankly bequeathed for the good of 
religion, as in courts, churches, college, school, fami- 
lies, closets, and in many other sacred intervals, 
breathing spells, from the hurry of business, to render 
men more sedate and heavenly (called time out of 
season) and all for the service of religion ; then to 
add and make this offering also, w^ithout a divine 
mandate, is but a work of supererogation, or super- 
stition and so will prove not only a needless but an 
extravagant victim. 

And, moreover, to add a just aggravation or two, 
to set forth the evil in the imposition, I shall, with 
them, conclude the plea. 

Aggravation I. Is taken from the great and suffi- 
cient care and provision made by the fifteenth and six- 
teenth chapters of our platform, for the convening of 
occasional and needful councils, for the service of the 
churches, and support of religion upon all emergen- 



220 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

cies. Then what need we throw away so many- 
years of time at a venture, as is here tendered in the 
proposal, before our necessities or occasions call for 
the expense; unless we would in imitation of the 
Rhodian colossus or Egyptian pyramids, erect a mon- 
ument of our vainglory and pride, more than of our 
prudence, policy, or duty. 

Aggravation 11. Is taken from the great affront, 
real and rational, done to empire. 

(1) Real In making thus bold, with the time and 
estates of loyal subjects. 

(2) RationaL For let us but consider that about 
three hundred men (gown men and swordmen) with 
twice the number of attendants, which will make up 
near a thousand strong (and all well horsed and pro- 
vided) to be mustered, no man living on earth can 
tell for what, cannot be well resented by crowned 
heads, those admirers of order. That the project car- 
ried on may breed jealousies in the heart of our 
prince, lest that Ket, Cade, Straw, or Tyler have 
pitched upon an oak of reformation again, with an 
intent to overhaul the government, etc. And espe- 
cially, seeing the crown was never advised of such a 
thing (as is proposed) by the regular forms of empire. 
There is danger of losing our time, and the credit of 
our loyalty together ; that all things considered, the 
best way will be for us to keep well whilst we are 
w^ell ; and therefore let every man and society be ad- 
vised to improve their time wisely, keep in their post, 
and honestly study to their own business, which God, 
law, and regular settlements has intrusted them with ; 
and we may then hope things will go well with us 
and our holy religion. 



ANSWER TO THE EOREGOIiS^G PPwOPOSALS. 221 

2. Uncertain^ namely, when the creators please, and 
can agree, for the more particular time is best left to 
the determination of each association, as the propo- 
sal affirms. And thus we are left very uncertain, 
when, where, or whether it will ever be ; so that I 
perceive you have no great dependence upon it, 
neither must we. The wisdom of civil government 
hath another sort of conduct. Such things are not 
left to discretion, for that w^ould be indiscretion, and 
the way to turn the w^orld into a bedlam or the dwell- 
ing place of madmen. And in the example before 
us, suppose the arbitrators (when the question for the 
time is propounded) should differ, and hotly dispute 
the matter ; and some should plead, it was best to be 
in the winter, and some in the summer ; some argue 
for the fall, and some for the spring, according as 
every man's temper leads him ; and at last, referring 
it to a majority of voices, should they (for want of an 
odd man) lock it by an equal vote, and so keep it 
like a game at chess for several years on the table, 
and neither side get the mastery ; we may then in 
our distresses holloa whilst our throats ache, and no 
help comes; for they have voted themselves fast 
(like two bucks in their own horns) and cannot stir 
for our relief. 

6. We must, according to promise, make some in- 
quiry, whether this council is to meet, or for the place 
of meeting? 

It is held in opinion that castles in the air and im- 
material substances do not occupy place ; philosophy 
assigns them no more than a ubit where many may 
exist in puncto indivisibilij or on the point of a needle ; 
and if this council is (as I apprehend it) belonging to 



222 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

that conjugation or catalogue of beings, it will then 
have this privilege belonging to it, namely, there will 
be no house to build nor house-rent to pay. 

7. We come now (in the last place) to consider its 
maintenance, by three queries. 

1^^ Query. Whether the churches in their expir- 
ing, must (as all criminals do) pay for their own ex- 
ecution, and their estates be confiscate, and reserved 
as a fund, yielding a certain stipend per annum to 
support their executioners ? 

2d Query, Whether the contingent fees of the 
sessions, or the free and voluntary contribution of 
clients may be thought a medium sufficient? Or, 

Zd Query. Whether it must not be here as it is 
in some civil cases, under the cognizance of a very 
peaceable and good-natured justice, that for the heal- 
ing of a difference amongst neighbors, advises them 
to agree etc., and so let every man bear his own 
charges. 

But how it is, or which way they intend to raise a 
support for a standing council, yearly, and every year, 
I cannot find out ; there is no stipend settled, or pro- 
vision made, in the canons, which give it being. 

It is certain in the history of God's works, he first 
makes his house, etc., then furnishes his table with 
great varieties, and then invites his guests and makes 
them welcome ; and so it is with all regular created 
efficients, both rational and natural ; but in this 
scheme there is nothing done for the support of the 
new-born infant, but like a runaway dam you leave 
it to the mercy of the heavens. But possibly the 
relief is stored up in your creating power ; so that if 
the charitable churches will but find a cradle for the 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 223 

first night and naturalize it, you will by your creating 
fiat soon find a fortune, if all the tithes in the prov- 
ince will do it. 

Thus, according to engagement, we have passed 
through the several heads relating to the standing 
council, and I think by the analysis it is sufficiently 
resolved into its first nothing ; and therefore in what 
remains, I shall be more brief in my answer. 



SECTION II. 

That to this end, these associated pastors, with 
their respective churches, shall consociate and com- 
bine. 

Answer, There is plainly an Hysteron and Pro- 
teron (a preposterous speech, or misplacing of terms, 
pastors and churches) in this section ; and though in 
rhetoric it breaks no great squares, yet in politics, 
where the just boundaries of governments are to be 
set out, the misplacing some great words may ruffle 
the whole scheme ; so that according to the more 
wary idiom of our church government, it should be 
written thus, namely. The respective churches shall 
consociate and combine, and their pastors shall at- 
tend and minister, as their duty does oblige them. 



224 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 



SECTION III. 

According to what has been by the synods of these 
churches recommended, that they act as consociated 
churches, in all holy watchfulness and helpfulness 
towards each other. 

Ansiaer. Titus, the Roman general, is very honor- 
able for his great pity to the Israelites, in many ex- 
amples that fell into his hands ; but all this while he 
was in siege of that famous town and temple, and 
designed to root them out of house and home, or sub- 
ject them to the mercy and pleasure of a conqueror. 

So here. Though you smile upon us in reciting 
some of the principles of our own government (for 
which we thank you), yet still we must observe 
the noise of your mattocks, that we may meet with 
your trenches, for you are still carrying on your 
works, and undermining us. 



SECTION IV. 

It is propounded, as that from which our begin- 
ning has been recommended, etc. 

Ansiver. You seem to reflect upon our beginnings, 
with a singular air and aspect, when you find any 
word or passage that falls in with your design, as 
though you were sensible those things were very 
argumentative and binding, and indeed they are so. 
Then why cannot you fall in with the whole settle- 
ment, and say to yourselves, what need we stand 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 225 

puzzling our heads for new schemes about church- 
government ? There is one from our beginnings, 
that is complete, being adjusted by the laws of 
honor and assigns to all parties their due, and gives 
to officers rule, power, and honor enough ; therefore 
let us, now we are met, order a new^ impression, 
and so break up. For alas, alas ! What need you, 
like the thievish bird, pick here and there a straw or 
a feather in our yards, to build a new nest ? Or now 
and then gather up a kerne], or a grain out of our 
first fruits ? The whole plantation and crop is yours, 
if you please to make use of it, and it will be your 
livelihood, as it has been hitherto ; only you must re- 
member to pay the quit-rent as honorable tenants, 
and not take yourselves to be lords of the manor. 



SECTION Y. 

That the association shall direct, when there is 
occasion, for this council to convene, on any emer- 
gency, and shall direct whether the whole, or only a 
certain number of these consociated pastors and 
churches shall convene on such occasions. 

Answer. The begged prerogatives of clergymen 
come so thick in this place, and smell so strong of 
the pope's cooks and kitchen, where his broths and 
restoratives are prepared, that they are enough to 
strangle a free-born EngUshman, and much more 
these churches, that have lived in such a clear air, 
and under such enlargements so long a time. For 
indeed (forsooth), fourscore years has brought (not 

15 



226 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

our hogs, but) our innocent flock to a fair market, if 
it is come to this, that clergymen may buy and sell 
them (as the Romans did the Jews) thirty for a 
penny, or at least say, pro and con, at their pleasure, 
upon all the high immunities and ancient liberties of 
the churches, lion-like (who claims the whole prey, 
and leaves no share to his allies, vel actum est de 
amicitia), all is mine (says he) or farewell friendship. 



SECTION YI. 

It appears agreeable with the present condition of 
our churches, and from our beginning acknowledged, 
that no act of the council is to be reckoned, con- 
cluded, and decisive, for which there has not been the 
concurrence of the major part of the pastors therein 
concerned. 

Answer 1. The specificating act, that empowers 
any member for an ecclesiastical council, is the 
churches' election or delegation, according to our 
government; so that the members sent, are invested 
with the power, and represent those who send them. 
The officers have no more of this power devolved 
upon them than any member, and therefore can 
challenge no more right (as elders) in a major or in a 
negative vote, than any others, as is very apparent in 
all representative bodies ; therefore all acts must be 
determined by the majority of the whole, as in the 
house of commons, though made up of men of many 
different characters, when in their own countries, 
both as to their trust, learning, and wisdom, and other 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 227 

distinguishing qualifications ; yet the naeanest man 
there has as great a force and power in his vote or 
suffrage as the best man in the house, for that they 
all equally represent the nation, one man as much as 
another. So in this case ; for that the churches and 
officers were never yet since New England stood, 
held or accounted two distinct estates in an ecclesi- 
astical council. Therefore, 

2. Your challenge plainly defines your intention, 
that is to null the power of the churches, and set up 
yourselves as the subject or fountain of a superin- 
tending power. And then, if the churches may have 
so much favor as to represent themselves by their 
lay-delegates, in a council you shall see meet to call, 
you must needs allow them to be a distinct house 
and estate. And if so, then you must grant them 
the privilege of a major vote as well as yourselves, 
and so nothing can be acted but by their compliance 
also. But I must acknowledge, I have no plenipo- 
tentiary power to settle articles of agreement, for 
the infringing any of the rights of the churches, and 
therefore must draw up my memorials in complaints 
of encroachments upon ancient lines and bounda- 
ries, and so leave them. 



SECTION YII. 

The determinations of the councils thus provided 
for the necessities of the churches, etc. 

Answer, Let any man read the fifteenth and six- 
teenth chapters of our platform, and then judge 



228 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

whether the necessities of these churches are so 
urgent as this proposal with too much fallacy in- 
sinuates, or whether they are anyways in Esau's 
straits, who thought he might sell his birthright for 
a mess of pottage, if not to save his life yet to 
gratify his peevish and distrustful hunger. 



SECTION VIII. 

If a particular church will not be reclaimed, etc. 

Ansiver. This whole long section is the third way 
of the communion of churches, laid out in the fif- 
teenth chapter of our platform, almost totidem verbis, 
or, in so many words. And whether or no the annex- 
ing some of the principles and rules of our vindictive 
and more public justice to the scheme, will suffi- 
ciently atone for the dissolution of the whole frame, 
which is intended by you ? 



CONCLUSION. 

These proposals were assented to by the delegates 
of the association, met according to former agree- 
ment at B , Sept. 13th, 1705, to be commu- 
nicated. 

Answer. The church of England has been wont to 
look upon us as men out of our wits, therefore they 
term us fanatics or madmen, but much more now. 
What ! For men to break from the government they 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 229 

themselves have established by consent and practice, 
and arbitrarily to rally together, and draw up a dire- 
ful sentence (if not in terms, yet in intent) for the 
dissolution of a country full of the best churches of 
Christ in the world, and then (as it were) upon the 
bold sound of a trumpet, to excite others to ratify 
the dead warrant, in order to execution ! What can 
this import or signify in the thoughts of considerate 
men, but a vertiginous brain ? We might have 
learned better, and more caution, from that mother 
church of the nation, if not from common reason ; 
for though the so.vereign confides in the loyalty of 
the English clergy, yet to maintain the grandeur of 
government, and keep in good repair that common 
fence, which keeps every man in his station, there- 
fore, according to the law and custom of England, 
the convocation, both the higher and lower house of 
that learned and august assembly, neither debates 
nor transacts any matter whatsoever, but ^vhat our 
sovereign by commission expressly alloweth of, ac- 
cording to his prerogative ; so that certainly to acquit 
yourselves for wise men you should have done no 
less (in a matter of such weight and moment), than 
have petitioned the public authority for commission, 
before you had ventured thus far. 

Objection, But possibly some may say, " We have 
petitioned authority to establish our councils, since 
we have drawn them up in form." 

Arts, This is to be preposterous, and agrees with 
that illegal way of hanging men and then judging 
them ; but, however, it seems they turned a deaf ear 
to your demands; and well they might, for they are 
too wise men to alter the laws of the province, long 



230 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

customs, and orderly settlements of the churches, to 
gratify an implicit faith in the stark naked ipse dixit s 
of any men ; that unless you can produce a manda- 
mus from the crown, or a precept from a higher court, 
which by its divine authority shall awe and direct 
them, you may always expect such entertainment in 
your precarious addresses ; for most certainly you beg 
at the WTong door, for you beg without a brief. 

To be commended to the several associated minis- 
ters in the several parts of the country, to be duly 
considered. 

Alts. And why not commended to the general 
court, as has been the custom of our beginnings, etc., 
or w^hy not commended nextly to the several church- 
es ? By the question proposed, the comfort, support, 
and well-being of these churches was peculiarly pre- 
tended, then why might not they be advised with for 
their approbation or esteem ? For if you intend it 
for a new suit, or change of apparel, or a set of armor 
for this army in banners, it must be the only way to 
try it on, it being now so near finishing; and if it be 
done workman-like, you will have the credit and they 
the comfort of it; but if it prove too straight-laced, 
or should they feel themselves as David in Saul's 
coat of mail, and should shrug at it and say, " We 
cannot go in these, we have not proved them," yet 
they may throw all by and keep to their own old suit, 
which is not yet half worn, and the worst come to 
the worst, you may by any lawful writ recover your 
wages of those who set you on work to blow at this 
forge. 

That so what may be judged for the service of our 
Great Lord and his holy churches. 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 231 

Ans. You acknowledge, and so do T, that these are 
holy churches, and (through the grace of their great 
Lord) they being so, then why should they be inter- 
rupted in their government and discipline, which has 
been a peculiar means for the advance and promoting 
holiness among them? They are strict in their 
government; curious, yet charitable, in their admis- 
sions ; in the election of all officers, they are nice, 
cautious, judicious, and in the main hitherto very 
successful. They are eagle-eyed in their watch ; duly 
hot, and impartial in their process and exemplary 
acts of justice ; and so dependent and free from arro- 
gance, that they acknowledge themselves accountable 
under the eye of the consociation for their adminis- 
tration ; and freely, and without covin, render an 
account of their actions, and are willing to receive 
advice, etc. Then why should you disturb them ? 

You acknowledge them to be holy churches, and 
you may well ! Then certainly they are the bethels, 
where God dwells; and from his grace and presence, 
so illustrious in them, why may we not conclude, 
God has said, " This is my rest forever ; here will I 
dwell, for I have desired it ? " And will then any 
good man have an hand in pulling down these taber- 
nacles of the Almighty ? No ! rather let every man 
involved say, as once Job did, " I will lay my hand 
upon my mouth ; once have I spoken, but I will not 
answer; yea, twice, but I will proceed no further, lest 
I am found fighting against God;" for it is most cer- 
tain all men will find themselves over-matched in 
such a war. 



232 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

Be proceeded in. 

Arts. I think we are proceeding in the best method 
we can for the present, for the service of these 
churches. That is to say, the criminal proposals being 
now at the bar, and having been indicted upon sev- 
eral statutes, and evidence for proving matter of fact 
being legal and sufficient, the case is now to be de- 
livered to the great jury of trials, namely, the impar- 
tial reason of the churches ; and there having been 
no such deed done, or seen, from the day that this 
good people came up out of the land from the other 
side of the great sea, unto this day, consider of it, 
take advice, and speak your minds, Judges, 19: 30. 

And upon due deliberation, if, under the conduct 
of law and reason, you shall bring in guilty, then I 
petition for the crown that justice be done in this fol- 
lowing manner, not by banishment, praemunire, or 
perpetual imprisonment; but that the proposals be 
sentenced to die the death of heretics, and their ashes 
be exposed to the four winds ; that the whole scheme 
may, beyond all hope of retrieve, be lost in oblivion. 
And let the churches, according to their platform, 
recover and maintain their authority, liberties, and 
lustre, so long as the sun and moon shall continue. 

The date, November the 5th, 1705. 

Ans. Blessed ! thrice blessed day ! Uphold and 
maintain thv matchless fame in the calendar of time, 
and let no darkness or shadow of death stain thee ; 
let thy horizon comprehend whole constellations of 
favorable and auspicious stars, reflecting a benign 
influence on the English monarchy. And upon every 
return, in thy anniversary circuits, keep an indulgent 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING PROPOSALS. 233 

eye open and wakeful upon all the beauties (from 
the throne to the footstool) of that mighty empire ! 

And when it is thy misfortune to conceive a mon- 
ster, which may threaten any part of the nation's 
glory, let it come crippled from the w^omb, or else 
travail in birth again, with some noble hero, or invin- 
cible Hercules, who may conquer and confound it. 



The last binding vote. 

At an association meeting, the foregoing proposals 
were read and assented to. 

Ans, Whether for a small junto of gentlemen, 
without being orderly called (as a committee of wise 
and learned men to survey an old government, and 
make their report) by any supreme authority, for 
them of their own heads to meet and draw up articles 
against, and in imitation of, the highest and most 
regular state on earth; to vote up a scheme of their 
own inventing, and thereby sign the condemnation of 
a grave ecclesiastical government, which has been 
adjusted by the rules of equity and honor, and for 
the security of all persons and parties interested and 
involved, and regularly settled and established by all 
the churches in the province ; and owned, ratified, and 
honored by the civil authority of the empire, and 
eminently blessed by God through a long series and 
succession of years; now whether such a daring ac- 
tion as this can be placed under any of the topics of 
political or moral wisdom, either of the fear of God, 
allegiance to their prince, or love to their country? 
Or whether or no they do not, for their defiance to 
the churches in this bold and terrible vote, rather 



234 THE churches' quarrel espoused. 

merit a page in the chronicles of time, and there, 
in capital letters, be written, not an association of 
wise, but a faction of disorderly, etc., and impolitic 
men? 

The introduction to personal signing, 

PRESENT. 

Ans. A council of war (by adjournment met with- 
out commission) consulting the most plausible way 
to blow up the walls of our Zion. But where the 
place was, or the persons who were present in this 
rendezvous, shall never be told by me, unless it be 
extorted by the rack. And though I have endeavored 
with freedom of argument to subvert the error, I will 
never stain their personal glory by repeating or call- 
ing over the muster-roll. 

Therefore, as Noah's sons cast a garment upon 
their father's nake*dness, so (leaving them in the 
crowd) their names (for me) shall repose under a 
mantle of honorable pity and forgetfulness. 

Yet wishing they may never more harbor such 
thoughts, or promote such a design as is projected by 
these proposals; but hereafter, when temptation 
makes its signal, let them rather trespass upon 
gravity, by following the hounds in the forest, or by 
a more submissive and moderate way (to baffle the 
enemy, and wear off the impression), let them write 
on the ground, or, with the famous Domitian, spend 
the time in catching flies, rather than contrive how 
to subvert or alter the government in the churches 
by such despotic measures, especially in an empire 
and province so charmed with such enchanting liber- 



ANSWER TO THE FOREGOINa PROPOSALS. 235 

ties as ours are. For otherwise they may chance to 
bring, if not an old, a new house upon their heads, 
according to that saying, Debile fundamentum^ fallit 
opus. 

A work, if done, and no foundation laid. 

Falls on tlie workmen's head ; thus they are paid. 



1 



SUBSCRIBERS' NAMES. 



The following is the list of subscribers for the edition of A. d. 1772, al- 
luded to in the Introductory article of this edition. 



Names. 

Mr. Benjamin Adams, 
Mr. Seth Adams, 
Mr. Stephen Adams, 
Nathaniel Appleton, A. M., 
John Appleton, A. M., 
Mr. Eliakim Atherton, 
William Ayers, Esq., 



Capt. Silas Bailey, 
Mr. Benjamin Babbitt, 
Mr. William Baker, 
Rev. Isaac Backus, 
Mr. William Bant, 
Mr. Joseph Baker, 
Mr. John Batchellor, 
Rev. Benjamin Balch, 
Rev. Thomas Balch, 
Mr. James Barrat, 
Mr. Jalah Barnard, 
Mr. Andrew Barclay, 
Mr. Daniel Bell, 
Mr. Joseph Belknap, 
Mr. Jeremiah Belknap, 



A. 




Number of Books, 


Abode. 


2 


Brookfield. 


2 


Boston. 


;i2 




1 


Boston. 


1 


Salem. 


6 


Bolton. 


4 


Brookfield. 


B. 




6 


Bolton. 


6 


Brookfield. 


1 


Boston. 


6 


Middleborough 


4 


Boston. 


6 


Westborough. 


12 


Reading. 


1 


Mendon. 


1 


Dedham. 


1 


Concord. 


6 


Deerfield. 


6 


Boston. 


1 


i( 


1 


t( 


1 


u 



238 



subscribers' names. 



Mr. William Blodget, 
Mr. Victor Blair, 
Josepli Bowditch, Esq., 
Mr. Daniel Boyer, 
Deacon William Boardman, 
Jabez Bowen, Esq., 
Capt. Thaddeus Bowman, 
Mr. Philip Brown, 
Benjamin Bradsliaw, A. M., 
Mr. Elislia Brown, 
Deacon Benjamin Brown, 
Mr. Francis Brown, 
Mr. Paul Bridgham, 
Mr. Moses Bulling, 
Eev. Mather Byles, D. D., 



Providence. 
Boston. 
Salem. 
Boston. 

Providence. 
Lexington. 
Salem. 
Boston. 

u 

Lexington. 

a 

Marlborough. 

Medfield. 

Boston. 



•c. 



Mr. Ebcnezer Campbell, 


1 


Newport. 


Mr. William Capen, 


1 


Charlestown 


Mr. Benjamin Callender, 


1 


Boston. 


Mr. John Callender, 


1 


u 


Mr. Caleb Call, 


2 


Charlestown. 


Mr. John Carter, 


1 


a 


Rev. Ebenezer Chaplin, 


36 


Sutton. 


Mr. Judali Clark, 


6 


Harvard. 


Mr. Joseph Clougli, 


1 


Salem. 


Mr. James Clark, 


1 


Newport. 


Mr. Samuel Clap, 


1 


Boston. 


Mr. James Foster Condy, 


12 


u 


Mr. Theophilus C@fFart, 


1 


Newport. 


Joseph Crosby, B. A., 


1 


Braintree. 


Rev. Robert Cutler, 


1 


Greenwich. 


Mr. Jacob Cushing, 


2 




Rev. Manassah Cutler, 


1 


Ipswich. 


Mr. John Cutter, Jr., 


1. 


Cambridge. 



subscribers' names. 



239 



D. 



Mr. AVilliam Dawes, 


100 


Boston. 


Major Thomas Dawes, 


2 


u 


Mr. William Dawes, Jr., 


1 


u 


Dr. Nathaniel Dabney, 


1 


Salem. 


Rev. Nathan Davis, 


6 


Dracut. 


Deacon Stephen Davis, 


1 


Bedford. 


Capt. Thomas Darrell, 


1 


Marblehead 


Mr. John Deming, 


1 


Boston. 


Mr. Jacob Dodge, 


1 


Beverly. 


Mr. Ebenezer Dorr, 


3 


Boston. 


Dr. William Dunsmoor, 


6 


Lancaster. 



E. 



Rev. Joshua Eaton, 
Rev. Samuel Eaton, 
Lieut. Elisha Eaton, 
Mr. Nehemiah Easterbrook, 
Josiah Edson, Esq., 
Mr. John Eddy, 
Mr. Samuel Elliot, 
Rev. Edward Emerson, 
Mr. Bulkley Emerson, 
Moses Everett, B. A., 



1 

1 

•1 


Spencer. 

Ilarpswell. 

Boston. 


1 


Lexington. 


6 


Bridge water. 


6 


New^ton. 


2 


Boston. 


24 


Concord. 


36 

1 


Newbury port. 
Dedham. 



Mr. Ephraim Fairbank, 
Mr. Jonathan Fairbanks, 


100 
6 


Bolton. 
Lancaster. 


Mr. Paul Farmer, 


1 


Boston. 


Mr. John Fenno, 


1 


u 


Mr. Jonathan' Fisk, 


1 


Weston. 


Mr. Samuel Fisk, 


1 


Watertow^n. 


Mr. Benjamin Fisher, 
Mr. Samuel Flagg, 


6 
1 


Grafton. 


Mr. Isaac Foster, 


6 


Billerica. 


Mr. Benjamin Foster, 


1 


Lunenburgh 



240 



subscribers' names. 



Mr. James Foster, 


12 


Boston. 


Mr. Philip Freeman, 


12 


u 


Mr. Samuel Freeman, 


6 


Falmouth. 


Jonathan French, B. A., 


2 


Cambridge. 


Abraham Fuller, Esq., 


6 


Newton. 


Lieut. Thomas Furbush, 


1 


Westborough. 


Mr. Daniel Furbush, 


1 
G. 


u 


Rev. Caleb Gannett, 


1 


Bridge water. 


Mr. John Gardner, 3d, 


1 


Salem. 


Mr. Joseph Gilbert, 


12 


Brookfield. 


Mr. Thomas Gilbert, 


12 


(( 


Mr. Moses Gill, 


6 


Boston. 


Mr. Richard Goldsmith, 


6 


Harvard. 


Mr. Caleb Godfrey, 






Mr. Nathaniel Gould, * 




Salem. 


Mr. Elisha Goddard, 




Sutton. 


Mr. Samuel Gore, 




Boston. 


Mr. Samuel Goldsbury, 




Wren th am. 


Rev. Ebenezer Grosvenor, 




Scituate. 


Mr. John Goff, 




Dorchester. 


William Greenleaf, Esq., 




Boston. 


Joseph Green, Esq., 




a 


Major Jeremiah Green, 




(( 


Mr. Benjamin Gray, 




(( 


Mr. Nathaniel Greenough, 


2 


u 


Mr. Stephen Greenleaf, 


1 
H. 


4( 


Mr. Samuel Hall, 


12 


Salem. 


Mr. Thomas Hall, 


6 


New Braintree 


Mr. James Haskell, 


6 


Harvard. 


Mr. Henry Harding, 




Medfield. 


Mr. John Harris, 




Charlestown. 


Mr. Daniel Hayden, 




Grafton. 


Mr. Jonathan Hall, 




u 


Mr. John Harrington, 




Westborough. 



subscribers' names. 



241 



Joshua Henshaw, Jr., M. A., 
John Hill, Esq., 
Mr. Thomas Hitchborn, 
Hon. Robert Hooper, Esq., 
Rev. Elizur Holyoke, 
Lieut. Abraham Holman, 
Mr. Israel Houghton, 
Mr. Edward Holliday, 
Mr. Daniel Howard, 3d, 
Mr. Samuel Holbrook, 
Capt. William Holmes, 
Mr. John Hotchkiss, 
Jed. Huntington, Esq., 
John Hubbard, Esq., 
Mr. Thomas Hubbard, 
Deacon Joseph Hubbard, 



Boston. 



Marblehead. 

B oxford. 

Bolton. 

Petersham. 

Boston. 

Bridgewater. 

Boston. 

u 

New Haven. 
Norwich. 
New Haven. 
Concord. 
Holden. 



J. 



Mr. Peter Jayne, 


100 


Marblehead 


Rev. Joseph Jackson, 




Brookline. 


Deacon David Jeffries, 




Boston. 


Rev. Jedediah Jewett, 




Rowleyc 


Dummer Jewett, Esq., 




Ipswich. 


David Ingersol, Esq., 




Milford. 


Mr. Samuel Jones, 


6 


Bolton. 



K. 



Mr. Ebenezer Kimball, 
Mr. Edward Kneeland, - 
Mr. John Kneeland, Jr., 


1 
1 
1 


Salem. 
Boston. 

u 


Mr. Jeremiah Laughton, 
Mr. Daniel Lampson, 
Rev. Isaiah Lewis, 
Dr. Joseph Lee, 
Mr. Samuel Lee, 


L. 

6 
2 

1 

12 

6 


Harvard 

Athol. 

Wellfleet. 

Concord. 

Manchester. 



16 



242 



subscribers' names. 



Dr. Joseph Lemmon, 


1 


Marblehead. 


Ensign Robert Longley, 


€ 


Bolton. 


Mr. Nathaniel Longley, 


6 


u 


Deacon Joseph Loring, 


2 


Lexington. 


Mr. James Lock, Jr., 


12 


Ashby. 


Dr. Joshua Loring, 


1 




Mr. Joshua Loring, 


3 


Boston. 


Mr. John Loring, 


1 


Lancaster. 


Mr. John Lucas, 


3 


Boston. 



M. 



Col. Thomas Marshall, 


4 


Boston. 


Capt. Ephraim May, 


6 


u 


Isaac Mansfield, Jr., A. M., 


1 


Marblehead. 


Mr. Jonas Mason, 


1 


Lancaster. 


Mr. John McCluer, 


1 


Boston. 


Rev. Jonas Meriam, 


6 


Newton. 


Mr. Joseph Meriam, Jr., 


6 


Grafton. 


Mr. William Moore, 


1 


Boston. 



N. 



Mr. John Nazro, 


1 


Boston. 


Mr. Jonathan Nicholls, 


1 




Mr. Edward Norice, 


1 


Salem. 


Dr. Samuel Nye, 


1 


Lincoln 



Mr. Andrew Oliver, Jr., 



O. 



Boston. 



Mr. Thomas Paine, 


6 


Eastham. 


Mr. Samuel Page, 


1 


Salem. 


Mr. Solomon Parsons, Jr., 


6 


Gloucester. 


Mr. John Patch, 


1 


Ipswich. 


Benjamin Pemberton, Esq., 


2 


Roxbury. 


Rev. Daniel Perkins, 


1 


Bridgewater. 



subscribers' names, 



243 



Mr. Kober Peele, Jr., 


1 


Salem. 


Mr. James Penniman, 


1 




Mr. Andrew Peters, 


1 


Mendon. 


Mr. Joseph Phips, 

Capt. Timothy Pickering, 

Mr. Abijah Pierce, 


1 

6 
6 


Charlestown. 

Salem. 

Waltham. 


Mr. John Pierce, 


6 


Bolton. 


Mr. John Pitman, 


1 


Boston. 


Mr. Ebenezer Plummer, 
Mr. William Pollard, 


1 
6 


Glassenbury. 
Bolton. 


Mr. Thorndike Proctor, 


1 


Salem. 


Mr. Ezra Putnam, 


6 
Q. 


Middleton. 


Norton Quincy, Esq., 
Mr. Francis Quarlj, 


2 

1 


Braintree. 
Beverly. 


Mr. Isaac Band, Jr., 


B. 
1 


Boston. 


Tapping Beeve, Esq., 
Capt. Jonathan Beed, 


1 
2 


Litchfield. 
Littleton. 


Mr. Nathaniel Bichardson, 


1 


Salem. 


Mr. Thomas Biggs, 


6 


N. Hamp. Keen 


Mr. David Bice, 


6 


Bolton. 


Ebenezer Boby, Esq., 
Mr. Bobert Boundey, 
Mr. John Bolstone, 


6 

1 
1 


Sudbury. 
Boston. 


Mr. Thomas Bussell, 


6 


u 


Hon. Thomas Saunders, Esq., 


S. 

2 


Gloucester. 


Lieut. Elijah Sawyer, 
Mr. Thomas Sawyer, 
Lieut. Ephraim Sawyer, 
John ScoUay, Esq., 
Capt. Samuel Sellon, 


6 
6 
6 
4 

1 


Bolton. 

Lancaster. 
Boston. 


Mr. George Searle, 


1 


Newburyport. 



244 



subscribers' names. 



Joseph Sherburne, Esq., : 


L Boston. 


Mr. Robert Shillaber,' 


1 Danvers. 


William Sherman, B. A., 


I New Haven. 


Mr. Joseph Simons, I 


L Lexington. 


Mr. Solomon Southack, * 


2 Newport. 


Eev. Samuel Stillman, ] 


L Boston. 


Deacon Jonas Stone, ] 


L Lexington. 


Mr. David Stockbridge, : 


L Hanover. 


Mr. William Stearnes, 


L Lunenbourgh 


Mr. Joseph Stow, t 


2 Brookfield. 


Mr. Alexander Steele, ( 


5 Boston. 


Rev. Joseph Sumner, ( 


3 Shrewsbury. 


T. 

Lieut. Peter Talbot, : 


L Stoughton. 


Mr. Hezekiah Taylor, ] 


Grafton. 


Mr. Jedediah Tayntor, ( 


5 Marlborough. 


Mr. David Temple, : 


L Grafton. 


Rev. Ebenezer Thayer, ] 


L Hampton. 


Rev. Peter Thacher, ] 


L Maiden. 


Dr. William Thomas, ( 


3 Brookfield. 


Mr. Joshua Townsend, 1 


L Bolton. 


John Tudor, Esq., ] 


L Boston. 


Mr. Samuel Tufts, ] 


L Medford. 


Mr. Joseph Tucker, ] 


L Brookllne. 


Mr. Daniel Tyler, ( 


) Pomfret. 


Mr. William Tyler, ] 


L Boston. 


Mrs. Mary Tyler, 1 


a 



w. 



Hon. Artemas Ward, Esq., 


6 


Shrewsbury. 


Deacon Joshua Ward, 


1 


Salem. 


Capt. Josiah Waters, 


6 


Boston. 


Mr. Aaron Warren, 


2 


Upton. 


Mr. Obadiah Walker, 


1 


Lunenbourgh 


Rev. Samuel Webster, 


1 


Temple. 


Mr. Thomas Weeks, 


1 


Greenwich. 



SUBSCEIBERS' NAMES. 



245 



Mr. William West, 


1 


Salem. 


Col. Jolm Whitcomb, 


12 


Bolton. 


William Wliitwell, Esq., 


2 


Boston. 


Mr. James Whipple, 


1 


Grafton. 


Mr. William Whitcomb, 


6 


Bolton. 


Mr. Isaiah Whitney, 


6 


Harvard. 


Capt. Ealph Wheelock, 


1 


Sturbridge. 


Mr. Eleazer Wheelock, 


1 


Medfield. 


Mr. Peter AYhite, 


1 




Mr. Asa White, 


1 


Weymouth. 


Mr. Joseph Whittemore, 


1 


Boston. 


Col. Jonathan Wilder, 


12 


Lancaster. 


Rev. Anthony Wibird, 


1 


Braintree. 


Mr. Josiah Witt, 


6 


Stow. 


Mr. Ephraim Willard, 


1 




Aaron Wood, Esq., 


6 


Boxford. 


Mr. Ephraim Woods, 


6 


New Braintree 


Mr. Abraham Wood, 


6 




Mr. Ebenezer Wyth, 


6 


Cambridge. 



i 



LIST OF PUBLICATIONS, 



The general Depository of the Congregational Board of Publica- 
tion, is kept at No. 2, Congregational Building, Chauncy Street. 



The Works of Joseph Bellamy, D. D. Two 

Vols. 8vo. Price, $3 50. 

Dr. Bellamy was one of the most distinguislied writers of the last age. 
He is discriminating, and will aid his readers in detecting error, in under- 
standing the pure doctrines of the gospel, and in directing inquirers in the 
way of life. His works are eminently doctrinal and eminently praciicaL 
The issue of this edition of Bellamy's Works will be regarded as a valuable 
service to the interests of theological literature in our country. — Christian 
Observf-r. Philadelphia. 

There is a grandeur in the simplicity, spirituality and deep earnestness of 
Bellamy. His theology is full of the glow and unction of practical religion. 
He reasons to convince and convert men, and every form of thought and 
reason becomes subordinate to the great end of enforcing the truth that 
saves. We hardly know of a work, since some of Baxter's, more searching 
in its spiritual analysis, and more powerful in the application of truth, than 
the True Religion Delineated. If the Congregational Board of Publication 
shall go on as they have begun, they will not only deserve, but attain suc- 
cess, and lay the church under deep obligation. — New York Evangelist, 

The Works of Jonathan Edwards, D. D. Two 

Vols. 8vo. Price, $3 00. 

Dr. Edwards was a very acute and able writer, who will be honored in 
succeeding ages for having given so much of its present excellency to the 
New England theology. 

Besides the intrinsic value of the Works of the younger Edwards, they 
are an almost indispensable part of a minister's library, for the light they 
throw upon the obscure and abstruse portions of the works of his father. — 
Neio York Observer. 

The Works of John Robinson, Pastor of the 

Pilgrim Fathers. With a Memoir and Annotations, by 
Rev. Robert Ashton, Secretary of the Congregational 
Board, London. Three Vols. Price, $3 50. 

John Robinson was privileged to have opened the head-springs of New 
England character. Aside from the intrinsic value of this book, as a book, 



it deserves a place in the family library of every true son of the Pilgrims. 
Robinson is in such a sense the Father of us all, that we do honor to our- 
selves, by cherishing his memory, and using his printed pages to impress it 
upon the rising generation. — FuHtan Recorder. 

The Works of Samuel Hopkins, D. D. Three 

Vols. 8vo. Price, $5 00. 

This is the first complete edition of Dr. Hopkins's works. His works 
must have an enduring interest, not merely on account of the high intellect- 
ual merit which they may justly claim, and the spirit of earnest piety by 
which they are pervaded, but as making an epoch in the history of theo- 
logical opinion, at least in this country. There are few men who lived in 
this country during the same period, whose history possesses so varied an 
interest as that of this distinguished man. He becomes legitimately incor- 
porated with the ecclesiastical history of his country and age. He was one 
of the greatest philanthropists of his day. The first volume contains an 
original memoir of the author, by Professor Park, which is remarkably com- 
plete, interesting and instructive. — FaritaJi Recorder. 

The Memoir of Hopkins, by Professor Park, is a work of deep interest 
and great value. It is a perfect key to Hopkins as a man, a Christian, a 
divine, a pastor, and a reformer. We cannot here attempt a critique upon 
Hopkins's Works. We will only say, that without them, no man can 
understand the liieological history of New England 5 and that after the works 
of Edwards himself, no more important gift has been made to the churches 
of New England, than these volumes of Hopkins — Congregalionalisl. 

W^e congratulate the theological public, that the Congregational Board 
of Publication have commenced ilie republication of such standard books. 
Our national honor demands this enterprise. We have no right, as good 
patriots, to allow the productions of our divines to lie, some of them unpub- 
lished, some of them forgotten. They are valuable in their intrinsic char- 
acter. They are useful as developing tne history of theological opinion.— 
Bibliolheca Sacra. 

Memoir of Asahel Nettleton, D. D., by Bennet 

Tyler, D. D. 12mo. Price, 60 cents. 

Dr. Nettleton is too well known to need any commendation Very few 
men have ever lived who have been the honored instrument of turning so 
many souls from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. 
This is a very faithful and instructive memoir of this uncommon man, and 
would be a very valuable book in every family. 

A Compendium of the System of Divine Truth, 

by Jacob Catlin, D. D. 12mo. Price, 60 cents. 

This is a series of brief and connected Essays en the various topics of 
theology. It is well adapted for Bible classes and adult classes in Sabbath 
schools, and will be found particularly valuable to all families and individu- 
als who cannot find time to read more extended discussions. 

The Works of Leonard Woods, D. D. Fiv€ 

Vols. 
These works are too well known to need any commendation. 



Inspiration of the Scriptures, by Robert Hal- 

dane, Esq., of Scotland. 18mo. Price, 25 cents. 

A timely and important subject for this day of abounding skepticism and 
unbelief From the importance of the subject, and the clearness with which 
it is treated, it possesses a value beyond that of costlier volumes. 

The Gospel Worthy of All Acceptation, or the 

Duty of Sinners to Believe in Jesus Christ, by Andrew 
Fuller. 18mo. Price, 20 cents. 

The name of the writer, who was decidedl}^ the best English theologian 
of his day, is a sufficient guaranty for this excellent little volume. 

The Scripture Doctrine of Regeneration, by 

Charles Backus, D. D. 18mo. Price, 20 cents. 

This is a brief and clear view of the doctrine under the following heads : 
1. Nature of Regeneration; 2. Necessity of Regeneration; 3. Agency of 
the Holy Spirit in Regeneration; 4. Character of the Regenerate. 

The Doctrine of Election, by Gardiner Spring, 

D. D., and The Doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints, 
by Bennet Tyler, D. D. 18mo. Price, 20 cents. 

A most clear, scriptural and convincing statement and defence of those 
important doctrines. 

The Works of Thomas Shepard, Pastor of the 

First Church in Cambridge, with a Memoir, by J. A. Albro, 
D. D. Three Vols. Price, $3 00. 

A more rich and valuable contribution to the cause of F^vangelical truth 
and godliness has rarely, if ever, been made by the labors of man. 

It is a service of inappreciable value which the Congregational Board of 
Publication is rendering lo the church and the world by the collection and re- 
publication of this and kindred works of the American Fathers, in a style of 
neatness and elegance unsurpassed, and at a cost so reasonable that those 
of small means may without difficulty possess them. — Coiigregationalist. 

These works have at once a doctrinal, practical, and experimental char- 
acter. Though they are characterized by great simplicity and directness, 
theie is in them a commanding power anci richness and depth of thought, 
which could have been the product only of an extraordinary mind. — Pu- 
ritan Recorder. 

Distinguishing Traits of Religious Character, 

by Gardiner Spring, D. D. Price, 50 cents. 

This is a book of uncommon discrimination and excellence. It clearly 
distinguishes that hope which is as an anchor to the soul, from that which is 
only as the spider's W(^b. It should be read by every Christian, and espe- 
cially by every young convert. 



Park Street Lectures, by E. D. Griffin, D. D. 

Price, 60 cents. 

This is a work of ^real merit. It is enough to say that it is one of Dr. 
Griffin's happiest efforts. 

Scott's Force of Truth. Price, 30 cents. 

This is a handsome edition of this very instructive and inleresiing^ narra- 
tive. Appended are John Newton's l^etters to Ur. Scott, which uere among 
the means which led to his coiiversion. This little volume should have a 
place in every family. 

The Faithful Steward, by Rev. S. D. Clarke. 

Price, 20 cents. 
A Prize E>say. Discriminating-, able, and faithful. 

New England's Memorial, with Gov. Brad- 
ford's History, and an Appendix containing the views of 
the Pilgrims and early settlers on thg subject of Church 
Polity. 

This volume contains the most reliable and interesting- history of the 
Pilgrims from tlie time of their first organization in England to the year 
1690. With great care and labor, new Notes have been collected from Brad- 
ford, Prince, Hutchinson and others, and a long Appendix of great value has 
been added, making this edition more valuable than those that have pre- 
ceded it. So much is now said, and justly said, of the Pilgrims and their 
influence upon New England character and institutions, that this edition of 
this valuable work, so long out of print, is well timed. It should be read 
and studied by all the descendants of the Pilgrims, that their origin and 
ancestors may be known and appreciated. 

The Life and Times of John Penry, Martyr 

of Southwark, by John Waddington. 

" In this volume kew light is thrown upon the primal movkments of 
the Nonconformists of England, by the documents which »he singular indus- 
try of Mr. Waddington has brought to light * Penry,' it seems, was the 
actual originator of the migration of the Pilgrim Fathers — a measure 
from which such important and world-v^ide results to liberty and religion 
have followed It is earnestly hoped ihat the publication of such a JMemoir, 
written with such simplicity, elegance, and brevity, will do not a little to 
vindicate the early Puritans from much of the obloquy thrown upon them 
by prejudiced or ignorant historians, and to exhibit the force, greatness, and 
worth of tho^e principles for which thej' cheerfully suffered^ many of them 
even unto death.'' 

Primitive Piety Revived, or The Aggressive 

Power of the Christian Church ; a premium essay, by Henry 
C. Fish, Newark, N. J. Price 50 cents. 

This is a premium essay. The subject assigned was, The better exem- 
plification of the Doctrines of the Bible in Christian life, with a vi< w to the 



conversion of sinners to Chris;t. It is eminenil}- fiued to do a good work in 
reviving Christians^ in bringing them back to a slate of primitive, apostolic 
piety. 

Life and Letters of Rev. Daniel Temple, for 

twenty-three years a Missionary of the American Board 
in Western Asia. By his son, Rev. Daniel H. Temple ; 
with an introductory notice, by Rev. R. S. Storrs, D. D. 
Price, $1 00. 

It is chiefly letters of this godly man and missionary, containing many 
happy illustrations of passages of Sciipture and interesting incidents in 
missionary life. 

The Cambridge Platform of Church Discipline, 

adopted in 1648, and the Confession of Faith adopted in 
1680; to which is prefixed, A Platform of Ecclesiastical 
Government, by Nathanael Emmons, D D. 

Memoir of Dr. Hopkins, by Prof. Park. Price, 

80 cents. 
See notice under Hopkins's Works. 

Parable of the Virgins, by Rev. Thomas Shep- 

ard. Price, $1 00. 
The admirable work to which President Edwards so often refers. 

A Practical Treatise on Prayer. By Rev. T. 

Cobbett. Price, $1 00. 

Mr. Cobbett was distinguished for his rich experience in prayer. Cotton 
Mather passes high enconniums on him, and especia ly on this book. He 
sa}S that of all the books written by Cobbeit, none deserves more to be 
read by the world, and to live till the general burning of the world, than 
that on prayer. A recent writer says, this book ought to be placed in 
every Christian family. 

Practical Evangelism ; or Bible Christianity 

enforced. By Rev. W. M. Cheever. Price, 35 cents. 
This Essay shows, with great clearness and force, the duty of Christians 
to come up^to a liigher standard of devotion to Christ, and to give them- 
selves more unre-erv ediy and unremittingly to the promotion of his king- 
dom. It is, like " Primitive Piety Rt-vived,'' a book for the times, greatly 
needed, and should be universally read. 

Historical Text-Book, and Atlas of Biblical 

Geography. By Lyman Colman, D. D. Price, $1 37^. 

This is a work of laborious and extended research, by its learned author. 
The preface says, " It is the result ot au humble tfibit and earnest de&ire 



and to 
of 
have a 



to associate together the history and geography of the Scriptures, and 
allure the young, and assist ihem in an inieresttd and inteMigent pf rusal 
the Book of God. The sut^ject of this book undeniably ought to have a 
place, not only in the Bible class and i^unday school, but in the prinnary 
and grammar school, the college and the theological seminary. 

Lectures to Young Men. By Joel Hawes, D.D. 

This new edition of these popular lectures appears in an enlarged 
and much improved form Jl contains two new lectures on very important 
subjects for young men. viz: " Causes of Success and of Failure in Life," 
and " Claims of the Bible on Young iMen." This litlle volume has done 
great good to many young men in time past We hope still more from it 
in future, in its enlarged and improved form. We commend it to the atten- 
tion of all young men. 

Sacramental Meditations and Advices, with a 

short Christian Directory, by Rev. John Willison, Dundee, 
Scotland. 12mo. pp. 364. Price, 75 cents. 

This is designed, as its title indicates, to help Christians in their prepara- 
tion for coming to the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. This old work is 
worth a load of the modern improvements, to the Christian who wishes to 
read for spiritual edification. — Cong. Journal. 

The Utility and Glory of God's Immutable 

Purposes, by Rev. S. D. Clark. Price, 374 cents. 

It is ably written, and in a popular style. It can hardly fail to profit any 
mind sincerely mquiring for the truih. — Cong. Journal. 

An Address to the Master of a Family, by 

Philip Doddridge, D. D., with other appropriate articles on 
the important subject of Family Religion. Price, 25 cts. 
This little book will be read with interest^ and should be in every family. 

Necromancy, or a Rap for the Rappers, by 

Parsons Cooke, D. D. Price, 25 cents. 

A timely warning to thove who are any way inclined to the delusion of 
modern spiritualism. 

Life at the Fireside, by Rev. W. M. Thayer. 

Price, 87 cents. ^ 

A book for the Family— describing- the duties and enforcing the obliga- 
tions renting upon the several members of the household, containing the 
beau ideal of a young man and of a young woman. 

Memoir of Judge Phillips, by Rev. J. L. Taylor. 

As a Statesman, a Business man, a Philahthropist, a Citizen, and a 
Christian, .ludge Pnillips was highly distinguished. He was prominent in 
the scenes of the Revolution and in the early public affairs of the Common- 



wealth. The Memoir is written with much ability and good judgment, and 
will be read with great interest and profit by all classes of the community. 

True Eeligion Delineated ; or Experimental 

Religion. By Dr, Bellamy. Price, $1 00. 
We hardly know of a work more searching in its spiritual analysis, and 
more powerful in the application of truth, than the ''True Religion Delin- 
eated." — New York Evangelist. 

The Great Awakening. A History of the 

Revival of Religion in the Time of Edwards and White- 
field. By Joseph Tracy. With handsome engravings of 
Whitefield, Edwards, Tennent, Sewall, and Prince. Price, 
$1 25. 

An interestiig aad instructive volume, and indispensable to a knowledge 
of the history ot revivals, and the means by which they are promoted. 

Early Piety ; exemplified in the Life and 

Death of Nathaniel Mather. With an Introductory Essay 
by Rev. J. T. Tucker. Price, 25 cents, 

'' Dr. Owen's book on Spiritual JMindedness has been in a very rare man- 
ner transcribed into his conversation." 

Liberty or Slavery ; The Great National Ques- 
tion. Prize Essays. Price, 25 cents. 

The first Essay, The Error and the Duty in regard to S/averij, appears to 
us to put the subject in a completely unanswerable form — though in very 
few words. It is an admirable specimen of compact reasoning. — Cortgre' 
gationalist. 

It lays the axe at the root of slavery. We see no flaw in the argument, 
and no escape from the conclusion, and hope the Essay may have a wide 
circulation. — Watchman S^ Rejlector. 

Church Polity of the Pilgrims, by J. W. 

Wellman. Price, 30 cents. 

Church Government and Discipline as derived from the Scriptures by our 
Pilgrim Fathers; showing, as we think, with unanswerable argument, that 
the Congregational system of polity is the system revealed by Christ and 
the Apostles. 

A View of Congregationalism, its Principles 

and Doctrines ; The Testimony of Ecclesiastical History 
in its Favor, its Practice, and its Advantages. By George 
Punchard ; with an Introductory Essay by R. S. Storrs, 
D. D. Price, 75 cents. 

This work answers the inquiry, What is Congregationalism — in Theory 
and in Practice} and is too well known to need any commendation. 



■A 



Solace, or Afflictions Lightened ; by Eev. T. 

A. Taylor. Price, 17 cents. 

Preparation to Profess Peligion ; or Guide to 

the Neiv^ Convert. By L Ives Hoadly. Price, 20 cents. 

A very desirable liUle book, designed to aid those who are examining 
their fitness to j;)in the church A book well adapted to this time, when 
many are becoming interested in religion. 

A Historical Sketch of the Congregational 

Churches in Massachusetts, from 1620 to 1858. By J. S. 
Clark, D. D. Price, 75 cents. 

The long service of the Author, as Secretary of the Massachusetts Home 
Missionary Society, gave iiim peculiar advantajjes for collecting the statis- 
tics which form the staple of his History. A valuable Appendix is added 
on the power of Ci uucils, and on the legal rights of churches. On the 
whole, we regard tiiis work as one of the most in»portant contributions to 
our Congregational literature which has of hte been given to the world. 
Let all our ministers and church members g<-t it, and study it, and they can- 
not fail to be instructed and profited by it — Maine Evangelist. 

The Book of Psalms, metrically arranged. 

Price 20 cents. 

The New England Primer. Price, 4 cents. 

A fac simile of the original work, which, in former days, wrought such 
influence in the formation of New England character. 

Two Volumes of Tracts. 12mo. Price, 01. 

Or separately Forty-nine Tracts on important Subjects. 



FORM OF BEQUEST TO THE SOCIETY. 

I give and bequeath to the Treasurer, for the time being, of the Congre- 
gational Board of Publication, incorporated by the Legislature of 
Massachusetts in March, A. D. 1850, with the name, Doctrinal Tract and 
Book Society, which was changed in A. D. 1854 to the Congregational 
Board of Publication, the sum of Dollars for the 

purposes of said Society, and for which the receipt of said Treasurer shall 
be a sufficient discharge. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 

All communications relative to the concerns of the Society, or the means 
of extending its usefulness, should be addressed to Rev. Sewall Harding, 
Secretary of the Congregational Board of Publication 5— all orders for 
books, to S. K. Whipple, Treasurer, No. 2, Congregational Building, 
Chauncy Street, Boston. 



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